DEL MAR, Calif. (AP) — Sirocco Strike won the $100,690 Green Flash Handicap by disqualification after the favorite was penalized for bumping another horse at Del Mar on Wednesday.
Ridden by Julien Leparoux, Sirocco Strike finished second to 5-2 favorite Distinctiv Passion. An inquiry showed Distinctiv Passion drifted out in the final yards under Edwin Maldonado to bump Strong Wind, who finished third in the 5-furlong sprint on the turf.
As a result, Distinctiv Passion was demoted to third, while Sirocco Strike was moved up to first and Strong Wind elevated to third.
Sirocco Strike paid $16.40, $6.60 and $3.80. Strong Wind returned $5.40 and $3.60, while Distinctiv Passion paid $3 to show.
The victory, worth $56,400, increased Sirocco Strike’s career earnings to $232,876, with four wins in 20 starts.
