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                      -- Angel Castillo Suspended 30 Days For Not Persevering

"The rides in question occurred during the second race on July 31 in which Castillo finished fifth, beaten a half-length for fourth, aboard Ironbound for owner Luis Holanda and trainer Louis Linder Jr. and the second race on Aug. 6 when he finished fourth, beaten a nose for third, aboard Final Blessing for Richard and Yvette Wira and trainer Philip Aristone.

Both horses were claimed from their races.

In Ironbound's race, Equibase chart footnotes state that “Ironbound dueled between foes, was taken back after quarter mile, split rivals into stretch, was not persevered with through deep stretch and was nailed for fourth-place monies.”

Stewards ruled Castillo “failed to put forth every reasonable effort and use proper diligence” aboard Ironbound.

The chart footnotes for Final Blessing state that “Final Blessing fell back after an alert start, raced wide, was unable to threaten top two and he was outfinished for the show spot when his rider stood up before the wire.”

For that ride, stewards said Castillo failed to “ride his mount out to the finish (persevere) and … to use proper diligence” in violation of Pennsylvania code, Title 58, Section 163.238 (A & B).

Stewards said the sanctions, issued Sept. 23, were “based on the video of the races and testimonial evidence presented before the board of stewards and after considering Angel A. Castillo's record of being previously warned and sanctioned numerous times for similar violations.”"