Equal Mostaza Takes Cocles After Stewards’ Decision

Equal Mostaza finished second, but the stewards ruled in his favor after a clear interference by Halteres

The first stakes victory in Equal Mostaza’s career / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

After 2400 meters, the outcome of the Clásico Cocles (L), one of the key races on Saturday’s card at Hipódromo de San Isidro, was ultimately decided by the stewards.

On the track, Halteres (Hat Ninja), one of the outsiders, had just beaten the favorite Equal Mostaza (Equal Stripes) by a head but interfered twice, pushing him several paths outward in the final stretch, prompting the stewards’ correct decision.

There was much discussion on social media about how quickly the ruling was made, but the evidence was too clear to delay, especially since those responsible for judging likely saw the incident live. Some even suggested that if the colors of the silks had been reversed, no action would have been taken—obviously unaware of how many times similar situations have been penalized.

Of course, sometimes decisions are wrong, or situations go unpunished that maybe should have been, but since this is a matter of impressions, it’s understandable.

Back to the race, Dragonet (Treasure Beach) went out fast on the lead followed by Eco Rush (Ecólogo)—a stablemate of Halteres—holding several lengths over the rest, while the eventual finishers were far behind in a different story.

At the bend, all margins tightened, but Dragonet remained in front, running solid fractions but not frantic (25.49, 49.55, 1:14.92, 1:39.42). In the stretch, Don Champagne (Long Island Sound) came through inside and took over the lead, though without being able to pull away.

But the late rallies from Equal Mostaza and Halteres added even more excitement to the finish, with four horses separated by a tight margin. As mentioned, Halteres, with Francisco Lavigna aboard, finished first but his clear interference cost him, and Equal Mostaza, whose claim was lodged by Francisco Leandro, took the honors, confirming the progress he had shown in his career. Bred by Haras La Nora and owned by Stud Las Monjitas, the chestnut looks to achieve even more.