Belmont Stakes 2024: Sierra Leone Brings Jockey Out of Suspension Despite Rejection Earlier

Things have finally stabilized for the Gun Runner thoroughbred Sierra Leone! Despite being a Kentucky Derby 2024 runner-up who marginally lost to Mystik Dan, the three-year-old colt landed in hot water. First, its Jockey Tyler Gaffalione was levied a colossal $2500 fine by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission on the grounds of touching a rival with his left hand close to the finish line. Then, owner Chad Brown replaced Tyler and announced Flavien Prat as Sierra’s new rider. But, another unfortunate incident occurred and Prat got a riding suspension from June 7 to 9, coinciding with the Belmont Stakes.

However, a piece of recent news comes bearing much-needed relief. Opening doors to Sierra’s appearance on the Saratoga Race Course this weekend, the court has just granted Prat a stay.

Flavien Prat has regained Sierra Leone’s reigns

As per the Daily Racing Form, the Los Angeles Superior Court on June 3 granted a stay order to Prat, giving him a go-ahead to appear as Sierra Leone’s Jockey for the final leg of the Triple Crown on June 8. This comes as an aftermath of his three-day suspension by Santa Anita stewards, on account of inducing an interference for the thoroughbred Reincarnate, while Prat rode Subsanador at the G2 Hollywood Gold Cup.

Prat had appealed to the racing board regarding this temporary curtailment, ahead of the crucial Belmont Stakes event. But, it regrettably stood rejected earlier. Thus, a court session was organized on Monday, where attorney Bing Bush remarked, “This is simply a matter of due process.” Eventually, attorney Bush formally announced that Prat was unrestrained to ride until a hearing took place, for he is “entitled to” the latter.

Therefore, it’s safe to say that after ephemeral disappointment, Sierra Leone has flung back into the race. Marking an end to the streak of untimely events, this has given the colt a great window of opportunity to regain glory. Moreover, performance-wise, we have previously seen the thoroughbred dominate.

Can Sierra’s recent form win him ultimate glory at the Belmont Stakes?

Sierra Leone is a multiple-graded stakes winner. With 2 first and 1 second-place finishes so far this year, the thoroughbred is in impeccable form. Precisely, the colt bagged the first position at the recent 2024 Blue Grass Stakes G1 in Keeneland and the 2024 Risen Star Stakes G2 as well.

Undoubtedly, his top-class performances have stunned the horse racing community. No wonder the morning line odds for the Belmont Stakes favor the racehorse at 9-5. This comes even though Kentucky winner Mystik Dan and Preakness’ first finisher Seize the Day shall be down to compete in Saratoga this weekend.

Therefore, it is certain that all eyes will be on the post position 9 this weekend. Fans and stakeholders will be eager to know if Sierra and Prat speed their way to glory. What do you think ahead of this crucial showdown?