Ruling makes Bob and Jackie eligible to run in Del Mar Mile

The California Horse Racing Board recently issued a stay to a July 12 ruling that banned owner Ahmed Zayat from running horses in the state for failing to fulfill a $600 obligation to the owner of a horse van company.

The Zayat stable, best known as the owner of 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, is in receivership following bankruptcy procedures in a Kentucky court. Racing board executive director Scott Chaney said the stay was based on “the Kentucky Court’s bankruptcy protection” and added that the stewards acted properly in issuing the suspension when Zayat failed to appear at a hearing.

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The stay allows Bob and Jackie, winner of the restricted Wickerr Stakes on turf on July 11 at Del Mar, to be considered for the Grade 2 Del Mar Mile on Aug. 23, trainer Richard Baltas said.

Bob and Jackie, a three-time stakes winner, worked five furlongs in 1:03.20 on turf Thursday.

A 4-year-old colt, Bob and Jackie is one of approximately three horses that Baltas trained for Zayat. Earlier this year, the graded stakes winner Desert Stone was purchased by Slam Dunk Racing, Michael Nentwig, and Joey Platts from the receivership, Baltas said.

Desert Stone has started twice for the partnership and was fourth in the Grade 2 Charles Whittingham Stakes on May 23 at Santa Anita.