NYRA announces Venezia Award nominees

ELMONT, N.Y. – The New York Racing Association released its list of nominees for the Mike Venezia Memorial Award, which recognizes jockeys who display extraordinary sportsmanship and citizenship. Venezia died as the result of injuries he suffered in a spill at Belmont Park in 1988.

This year’s nominees include Joe Bravo, Javier Castellano, Manny Franco, Irad Ortiz Jr., and Jose Ortiz.

Fans may vote online at NYRA.com/Venezia beginning Friday through May 15. The winner will be announced May 16 with the award to be presented on May 28 (Memorial Day) at Belmont.

My Boy Tate off until Saratoga

My Boy Tate was conspicuous by his absence in Friday’s $100,000 Affirmed Success Stakes for New York-bred sprinters at Belmont.

Billy Koch, president of Little Red Feather Racing, which owns the horse in partnership with Michelle Nevin, said the horse is getting a break after “running hard all winter.”

My Boy Tate has won five consecutive races, including the Hollie Hughes in January and Say Florida Sandy in February, both New York-bred sprint stakes.

My Boy Tate began his win streak in a maiden race last August at Saratoga.