Weekly Rulings: November 14-20

Every week, the TDN posts a roundup of the relevant Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) related rulings from around the country.

Among the key rulings from the last seven days, trainer Jaime Cruz has been suspended for 15-days–beginning on Nov. 21–after his runner, Animal Princess, tested positive post-race for Detomidine, which is used primarily as a sedative in horses. Detomidine is also labelled as an analgesic.

Trainer Tanner Tracy has also been suspended for seven days–beginning Nov. 15–after a post-race sample from his trainee, Carry On, tested positive for Cannabidiol (CBD). As human CBD-containing products have become much more ubiquitous in recent years, they've proven something of a headache for regulators and trainers alike.

There have also been a number of actions surrounding the alleged use of intra-articular injections within the seven-day window before a timed or reported workout–two resolved cases, which resulted in $3,000 fines meted out among other sanctions, and three pending cases.

NEW HISA/HIWU STEWARDS RULINGS

The following rulings were reported on HISA's “rulings” portal and through the HIWU's  “pending” and “resolved” cases portals.

Resolved ADMC Violations

Date: 10/25/2023
Licensee: Salvador Naranjo, trainer
Penalty: A fine of $3,000; imposition of 3 Penalty Points. Admission.
Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314—Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method—on the horse, The Key is Unity. This was also a possible violation of Rule 4222—Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.
Date: 10/08/2023
Licensee: Francisco Soria, trainer
Penalty: A fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision by HIWU.
Explainer: For the presence of Dantrolene—Controlled Medications (Class C)—in a sample taken from Profit Hunter. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
Date: 10/07/2023
Licensee: Nancy Summers, 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. Final decision by HIWU.
Explainer: For the presence of Furosemide—Controlled Medications (Class C)—in a sample taken from Sweet Money, who finished second at Albuquerque Downs on 10/7/23. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
Date: 10/06/2023
Licensee: Jeffrey Dale Hudson, trainer
Penalty: A fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission.
Explainer: For the presence of Flunixin—Controlled Medications (Class C)—in a sample taken from Yumiko's Candy. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
Date: 10/06/2023
Licensee: Carlos Martin, trainer
Penalty: A fine of $1,000 ($500 for each violation); imposition of 3 Penalty Points (1.5 Penalty Points for each violation). Admission.
Explainer: For the presence of Flunixin and Aminocaproic Acid—both Controlled Medications (Class C)—in a sample taken from Billy Price. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
Date: 10/05/2023
Licensee: Glenroy Brown, trainer
Penalty: Written reprimand (per 9/26/23 HISA Guidance); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission.
Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone and Omeprazole—both Controlled Medications (Class C)—in a sample taken from Moester. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
Date: 10/05/2023
Licensee: Marcus Vitalli, 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: For the presence of Betamethasone—Controlled Medications (Class B)—in a sample taken from Yankee Dollar, who won at Prairie Meadows on 10/5/23. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
Date: 10/02/2023
Licensee: Reid France, 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. Final decision by HIWU.
Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone—Controlled Medications (Class C)—in a sample taken from One Little Indian, who finished fourth at Golden Gate Fields on 10/2/23. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
Date: 09/22/2023
Licensee: Tanner Tracy, trainer
Penalty: 7-day period of Ineligibility, beginning on November 15, 2023; 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 $1,000; imposition of 2 Penalty Points. Admission.
Explainer: For the presence of Cannabidiol—Controlled Medications (Class B)—in a sample taken from Carry On, who finished second at Prairie Meadows on 9/22/23. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
Date: 09/14/2023
Licensee: Kari Craddock, 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: For the presence of Methocarbamol—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Connors Outlaw, who finished second at Remington Park on 09/14/23. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
Date: 09/13/2023
Licensee: Melvin Ovando, 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: For the presence of Phenylbutazone—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from I Love Maria, who finished second at Delaware Park on 09/13/23. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
Date: 08/18/2023
Licensee: Reynaldo Yanaz, trainer
Penalty: A fine of $3,000; imposition of 3 Penalty Points. Final decision by internal adjudication panel.
Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314—Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method—on the horse, Chapalu. This was also a possible violation of Rule 4222—Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.
Date: 08/16/2023
Licensee: R. McLane Hendricks, trainer
Penalty: None. Equine anti-doping notice withdrawn.
Explainer: For the presence of Cocaine—a banned substance—in a sample taken from Princess Javoncia, who won at Penn National on 8/16/23. This was a possible violation of Rule 3212—Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.
Date: 08/12/2023
Licensee: Joe Toye, 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. Final decision by internal adjudication panel.
Explainer: For the presence of Dexamethasone—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Glimpse of Gold, who won at Emerald Downs on 8/12/23. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of a Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List Workout).
Date: 08/04/2023
Licensee: Jaime Cruz, trainer
Penalty: 15-day period of Ineligibility, beginning on November 21, 2023; 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 $1,000; imposition of 2 Penalty Points. Final decision by internal adjudication panel.
Explainer: For the presence of Detomidine—Controlled Medications (Class B)—in a sample taken from Animal Princess, who finished third at Delaware Park on 8/4/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312— Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
Date: 07/07/2023
Licensee: Candice Cryderman, 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. Final decision by internal adjudication panel.
Explainer: For the presence of Methocarbamol—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Dontforgetthesuga, who finished third at Emerald Downs on 7/7/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.
Pending ADMC Violations
Date: 10/28/2023
Licensee: John Servis, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged violation: Medication violation
Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314—Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method—on the horse, Winnin'onweekends. This is also a possible violation of Rule 4222—Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.
Date: 10/26/2023
Licensee: Peter Eurton, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Acepromazine—Controlled Medication (Class B)—in a sample taken from Stayincotai. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
Date: 10/26/2023
Licensee: Wendell McDaniel, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Big Difference. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
Date: 10/25/2023
Licensee: Peter Miller, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged violation: Medication violation
Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314—Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method—on the horse, Thirsty John. This is also a possible violation of Rule 4222—Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.
Date: 10/24/2023
Licensee: Jamie Ness, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged violation: Medication violation
Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314—Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method—on the horse, Dust Devil. This is also a possible violation of Rule 4222—Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.
Date: 10/14/2023
Licensee: Ronnie Cravens, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Saturday's Gold, who won at Remington Park on 10/14/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
Date: 10/11/2023
Licensee: Darlene Green, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Omeprazole—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Highcotton Justice, who finished second at Horseshoe Indianapolis on 10/11/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
Date: 10/8/2023
Licensee: Francisco Soria, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Dantrolene—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Profit Hunter. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
Date: 9/22/2023
Licensee: Norman Follett, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Lidocaine—Controlled Medication (Class B)—in a sample taken from Racing Colors, who finished second at Belmont at the Big A on 9/22/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
Date: 9/21/2023
Licensee: John Ennis, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Diclofenac—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Wauhatchie, who finished second at Churchill Downs A on 9/21/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
Date: 9/03/2023
Licensee: Debbie Van Horne, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from You're the Cause, who won at Emerald Downs on 9/3/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
VIOLATIONS OF CROP RULE

One important note: HISA's whip use limit is restricted to six strikes during a race.

Horseshoe Indianapolis
Abel Lezcano – violation date Nov 17; $250 fine, one-day suspension
OTHER KEY RULINGS
The TDN also 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 (or not) and where.
CALIFORNIA
Track: Del Mar
Date: 11/17/2023
Licensee: Irad Ortiz, jockey
Penalty: Three-day suspension
Violation: Careless riding
Explainer: Having received notice from the California Horse Racing Board that the appeal of LATC Ruling #56 (November 5, 2023) has been withdrawn, the original ruling is reinstated. Jockey Irad Ortiz is suspended for 3 racing days (November, 24, 25 and 26, 2023).
Track: Del Mar
Date: 11/19/2023
Licensee: Umberto Rispoli, jockey
Penalty: Three-day suspension
Violation: Careless riding
Explainer: Jockey Umberto Rispoli, who rode Petcoff in the third race at Del Mar Race Track on November 18, 2023, is suspended for 3 racing days (November 26, December 1 and 2, 2023) for altering course without sufficient clearance in the back stretch, causing interference resulting in the disqualification of his mount from third to seventh; a violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1699 (Riding Rules-careless riding).
NEW YORK
Track: Aqueduct
Date: 11/18/2023
Licensee: Ruben Silvera, jockey
Penalty: Three-day suspension
Violation: For having waived his right to an appeal Jockey Mr. Ruben Silvera is hereby suspended three NYRA racing days November 18th 2023, November 19th 2023, November 24th 2023 inclusive. This for careless riding during the running of the 7th race at Aqueduct Racetrack on November 16th 2023.