By Dan Ross
Every week, the TDN posts a roundup of the relevant Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA)-related rulings from around the country.
NEW HISA/HIWU STEWARDS RULINGS
The following rulings were reported on HISA's “rulings” portal and through the HIWU “pending” and “resolved” cases portals.
Resolved ADMC Violations
Date: 10/15/2024
Licensee: Michelle Hemingway, trainer
Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission.
Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Dexamethasone-a controlled substance (Class C)-in a sample taken from Americandreammaker, who won at Colonial Downs on 8/31/24.
Date: 10/11/2024
Licensee: G. Allan Middleton, trainer
Penalty: A fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission.
Explainer: Vets' list medication violation for the presence of Methocarbamol-a controlled substance (Class C)-in a sample taken from Crossfire Cowgirl on 8/30/24.
Pending ADMC Violations
10/16/2024, Oscar Manuel Gonzalez, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of an unnamed Class C medication in a sample taken from Vladislav on 9/22/24.
10/15/2024, George Weaver, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of an unnamed Class C medication in a sample taken from Nimitz Class on 6/28/24.
Note: When asked about the above alleged violations, HIWU declined to comment on the specific substances involved, but provided the following statement:
“Weaver and Gonzalez are both alleged to have used products that cannot be administered within 24 hours of a race,” the statement reads.
“If substances other than feed, hay, or water are administered during the Race Period (i.e., within 48 hours of a race or Vets' List workout) in violation of the ADMC rules, they are designated as Class C Controlled Medications if they are not otherwise classified under the rules as a Controlled Medication or Banned Substance (note that a substance can be regulated as a Banned Substance even if it is not explicitly included on HISA's list of Banned Substances).”
10/16/2024, Peter Miller, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Tramadol-Controlled Medication (Class B)-in a sample taken from Forgiving Spirit, who finished third at Del Mar on 8/10/24.
10/15/2024, Alvin Taylor, trainer: Medication violation provisional suspension for the presence of Methamphetamine-a banned substance-in a sample taken from My Sexy Blonde, who finished third at Ellis Park on 8/18/24.
10/11/2024, Filiberto Quiroz, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Dexamethasone-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Our Soaring Angel, who finished fourth at Albuquerque on 9/2/24.
10/11/2024, Eddie Kenneally, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Tramadol-Controlled Medication (Class B)-in a sample taken from Candy Cause, who won at Belterra Park on 7/20/24.
10/11/2024, Brendan Walsh, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Omeprazole-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Sri Lanka on 9/17/24.
10/11/2024, Daniel Hurtak, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Hosel Rocket on 9/11/24.
Violations of Crop Rule
One important note: HISA's whip use limit is restricted to six strikes during a race.
Fresno
- Julien Couton – violation date Oct 12; $250 fine and one-day suspension
- Adrian Castellanos – violation date Oct 12; $750 fine and three-day suspension
Santa Anita
- Cesar Ortega – violation date Oct 11; $500 fine and two-day suspension
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