Weekly Rulings: Dec. 28, 2021–Jan. 2, 2022

Weekly Stewards and Commissions Rulings, Dec. 28–Jan. 2

Every week, the TDN publishes a roundup of key official rulings from the primary tracks within the four major racing jurisdictions of California, New York, Florida and Kentucky.

Here's a primer on how each of these jurisdictions adjudicates different offenses, what they make public and where.

California

Track: Santa Anita

Date: 12/21/2021

Licensee: Doug O'Neill, trainer

Penalty: $5,000 fine

Violation: Violation of authorized bleeder medication rule

Explainer: Pursuant to a Settlement Agreement and Mutual Release with the California Horse Racing Board, Trainer Doug O'Neill, who failed to post 5 Detention Stall Signs at Los Alamitos Race Course on July 5, 2021, is fined $5,000 for violation of California Horse Racing Board Rule #1845 (c)(2)(A) (Authorized Bleeder Medication).

Track: Santa Anita

Date: 12/31/2021

Licensee: Diego Herrera, jockey

Penalty: $750

Violation: Riding crop violation

Explainer: Apprentice Jockey Diego Herrera is fined $750 for violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1688(b)(8) (Use of Riding Crop–more than six times during the running of the race–Second offense within the past sixty days) during the eighth race at Santa Anita Park on December 27, 2021.

Track: Santa Anita

Date: 01/01/2022

Licensee: Emily Ellingwood, jockey

Penalty: Three-day suspension

Violation: Careless riding

Explainer: Apprentice Jockey Emily Ellingwood, who rode Wiki Wahine in the first race at Santa Anita Park Dec. 31, 2021, is suspended for 3 racing days (Jan. 8, 9 and 14, 2022), for altering course without sufficient clearance on the backside and causing interference. This constitutes a violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1699 (Riding Rules–careless riding). Pursuant to California Horse Racing Board rule #1766 (Designated Races) the term of suspension shall not prohibit participation in designated races.

Track: Santa Anita

Date: 01/02/2022

Licensee: Wayne Barnett, jockey

Penalty: Three-day suspension

Violation: Riding crop violation

Explainer: Jockey Wayne Barnett, who rode Philosopher's Tone in the first race at Santa Anita Park Jan. 1, 2022, is suspended for 3 racing days, (January 9, 14 and 15, 2022) for violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1688 (c)(2) (Use of Riding Crop–not in the underhand position–second offense in the last 60 days). Pursuant to California Horse Racing Board rule #1766 (Designated Races) the term of suspension shall not prohibit participation in designated races.