Moquett appeals result of Puple Martin Stakes

Trainer Ron Moquett said Tuesday he has filed an appeal to the Arkansas Racing Commission concerning the results of the $150,000 Purple Martin Stakes last Saturday at Oaklawn. Our Majesty, trained by Moquett, finished first by 1 1/2 lengths but was disqualified and placed fourth by the board of stewards for an incident on the backstretch. The date for the hearing has not been set, a representative of the commission said Wednesday.

Moquett said there were a couple of reasons to appeal the disqualification.

“I thought it needed to be looked at again,” Moquett said. “I try to look at things objectively because I’ve been on the other side as well. I respect their job. I know it’s not easy. No matter what, somebody’s going to be upset. I thought the best horse won, and I don’t understand the action that was taken.”

Moquett said he sought the advice of a number of racing veterans on the disqualification, and after taking in their opinions, he felt he had a case. Moquett said this is the first time he has appealed the results of a race.

Golden Mischief had her number put up in the six-furlong Purple Martin, for 3-year-old fillies, after Our Majesty was disqualified. The move elevated Chanel’s Legacy from third place to second. Vertical Oak, whose rider, Luis Contreras, claimed foul against Our Majesty, was placed third.

John Ferrara, a steward, gave a statement after the Purple Martin.

“[Vertical Oak] and [Our Majesty] were basically running side by side down the backside,” Ferrara said. “[Our Majesty] gradually drifted in and impeded the path of [Vertical Oak], causing that horse to check.”

Ricardo Santana Jr., who rode Our Majesty, on Wednesday was given a three-day suspension by the stewards stemming from that race. Santana has been suspended for Sunday and next Thursday and Friday. He has a window of time to appeal the ruling, said a spokesperson with the commission.

Our Majesty came into the Purple Martin off an impressive debut win for It’s All About the Girls Stable. Moquett said Our Majesty’s next move will be discussed with the partners. Options, he said, include the Beaumont at Keeneland and the Eight Belles at Churchill.

The Purple Martin was the third stakes victory for Golden Mischief. She also accounted for the My Trusty Cat at Delta Downs and the Letellier Memorial at Fair Grounds. Trainer Steve Asmussen said Golden Mischief would now target the Grade 2, $200,000 Eight Belles on May 5.

“She came out of the race in great shape, and most likely, we’ll train up to the Eight Belles,” Asmussen said. “She’s run really well at Churchill, and I think the seven-eighths really suits her.”

Golden Mischief was a dominant allowance winner at Churchill last September for owners Bill and Corinne Heiligbrodt.

Fantasy next for Chanel's Legacy

Chanel’s Legacy, a two-time stakes winner at this meet, is being pointed to the Grade 3, $400,000 Fantasy here, trainer Lynn Chleborad said Tuesday.

Chanel’s Legacy won the $125,000 Dixie Belle in January and the $125,000 Martha Washington in February.