Facundo Aguirre Handed Provisional Suspension Following Suspicious Ride

Racing Commission Led by Antonio Rivero Investigating La Nicolina’s Third-Place Effort in Thursday’s Tenth Race

LA PLATA.- Jockey Facundo Aguirre has been provisionally suspended by La Plata’s racing commission following a suspicious ride aboard La Nicolina (El Moisés) in Thursday’s 10th race, where the mare finished third, just over two lengths behind favorite Sabrán de Ella (Safety Check). Aguirre appeared to restrain his mount from the start all the way to the wire.

The decision was made swiftly by the commission, led by Antonio Fabián Rivero, given what was described as conclusive video evidence. A significant penalty could be handed down, though the rider will have an opportunity to present his defense in due course.

Aguirre left La Nicolina far behind at the break, drawing immediate attention, before the filly advanced gradually on her own while the jockey remained motionless. In the straight, particularly over the final 150 meters, he made no effort to ask her for run.

“There’s no doubt about what happened. We will determine the next steps, but it was too blatant to justify. These things must stop,” commission sources stated.

Owned by Stud Esece and trained by Eduardo Donadío, La Nicolina returned $7.85 and had finished sixth, beaten 10 lengths by Cherry Along (Suggestive Boy) on June 21—though that winner’s result is under review following a positive test.

Starry Bomb Romps in Premio Curtida Roar

The Thursday card also featured some noteworthy allowance races, including the Premio Curtida Roar over 1100 meters for 3-year-old fillies with one win. Starry Bomb (Hit It a Bomb–Starry Miss, by Southern Halo), bred by Haras Firmamento, justified her favoritism with authority.

Ridden by Lautaro Balmaceda for trainer Omar Labanca, the filly tracked in third as Idiala Edition (Equal Edition)set the early pace. Starry Bomb ranged up around the turn and swept to the lead with 250 meters to run, quickly pulling away to score by five lengths over the game frontrunner.

Racing for Stud Haras Altos de Godeken, Starry Bomb stopped the clock in 1:04.63, recording her second victory from seven starts. Her resume also includes an unplaced effort in the Clásico Islas Malvinas (L) down the San Isidro turf straight earlier this year.