Report: Jockey blames Oaks gate troubles on sound system

Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens, who rode Fashion Plate to an 11th-place finish in Friday's Kentucky Oaks, is reportedly blaming Churchill Downs' new sound system for two horses' issues in the starting gate.

Following a flip by Empress of Midway, the Doug O'Neill-trained filly part-owned by Louisville coach Rick Pitino, Stevens' Fashion Plate also acted up before the field was sent on its way. Fashion Plate broke poorly and never challenged.

After the race, Oaks-winning jockey Rosie Napravnik, who rode favorite Untapable, called the sound "overwhelming." And Stevens, according to HRTV's Scott Hazelton, has asked the volume be turned down before Saturday's Kentucky Derby.

A Churchill Downs spokesperson said that no representatives from the jockey guild have approached track officials about changes.

The Derby is the 11th race on Saturday's card with a 6:24 p.m. post time. Stevens will ride 20-1 morning line shot Candy Boy, third last time out in the Santa Anita Derby.

While the Oaks drew more than 113,000 spectators and the Derby is expected to bring 150,000 to the track, big crowds aren't new. The sound system is, however, part of upgrades leading into the spring meet along with Churchill Downs' new Big Board.

Jonathan Lintner can be reached at (502) 582-4199; follow him on Twitter @JonathanLintner.