The falsification of an owner's signature on an opening-day claim slip at Keeneland has cost trainer Bob Hess, Jr., a $1,000 fine.
Hess waived his right to a formal hearing with the Keeneland stewards.
“Bottom line, I made a mistake,” Hess told TDN via phone Tuesday afternoon. “And it won't happen again. It was kind of a time crunch. We didn't have the claim slip signed by the owner, so I signed on his behalf, which is a breach of the rules.”
The horse Hess tried to claim for $80,000 out of the fourth race Apr. 8 was Malibu Marie (Malibu Moon).
The 3-year-old filly paid $15.20 in winning the 1 1/16-mile allowance/optional claimer. She ended up being claimed away from trainer Brad Cox and the owner partnership listed as Thrash and Payne. The successful claimant was trainer Eduardo Caramori on behalf of owner Paula Capestro.
Hess declined to reveal the name of the owner he signed for, citing a desire to take responsibility for the mistake on his own. The owner was not listed in the stewards' ruling.
“I don't want to embarrass the owner. I'm already embarrassed enough. I screwed up, but it wasn't without the owner's knowledge. But that's no excuse. This was preventable, and it never should have happened,” Hess said.
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