Weekly Rulings: Oct. 10-16

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

The TDN also posts a round-up of the relevant Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) related rulings from the same week. These include decisions from around the country.

NEW HISA/HIWU STEWARDS RULINGS

The following rulings were reported on HISA's “rulings” portal and through the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit's “pending” and “resolved” cases portals.

RESOLVED ADMC VIOLATIONS

Original date: 09/16/2023
Licensee: Keith Desormeaux, trainer
Penalty: 7-day period of Ineligibility, beginning on October 17, 2023; a fine of $1,000; imposition of 2 penalty points.Admission of ECM Rule Violation and Acceptance of Consequences
Explainer: For the presence of Acepromazine—Controlled Medications (Class B)—in a sample taken from Auto Dial. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Original date: 08/27/2023
Licensee: Mark Hibdon, 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 Flunixin—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from D'wild Muffin, who won at Arapahoe on 8/27/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List Workout).

Original date: 08/05/2023
Licensee: Rodolfo Sanchez-Salomon, 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 of ECM Rule Violation and Acceptance of Consequences
Explainer: For the presence of Flunixin—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Matty Bo, who won at Laurel Park on 8/5/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List Workout).

Original date: 08/03/2023
Licensee: Jose Puentes, 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 of ECM Rule Violation and Acceptance of Consequences

Explainer: For the presence of Dantrolene—Controlled Medications (Class C)—in a sample taken from Pour on the Cole, who won at Santa Rosa on 8/3/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.

Original date: 06/20/2023
Licensee: Joseph Taylor, trainer
Penalty: 36-month period of Ineligibility (18 months per violation) for Covered Person, beginning on July 18, 2023; 14-month period of Ineligibility for Covered Horse, beginning on June 20, 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 $25,000 ($12,500 per violation). Admission of EAD Rule Violation and Acceptance of Consequences
Explainer: For the presence of Methylphenidate and Clenbuterol—both banned substances—in a sample taken from Classy American, who finished second at Parx Racing on 6/20/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212—Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.

Original date: 06/18/2023
Licensee: Joseph Taylor, trainer
Penalty: 36-month period of Ineligibility (18 months per violation) for Covered Person, beginning on July 18, 2026; 14-month period of Ineligibility for Covered Horse, beginning on June 18, 2023; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results obtained on 6/18/23 and 7/12/23, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $25,000 ($12,500 per violation). Admission of EAD Rule Violation and Acceptance of Consequences
Explainer: For the presence of Methylphenidate and Clenbuterol—both banned substances—in a sample taken from Cajun Cousin, who finished second at Parx Racing on 6/18/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212—Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.

Read more on Taylor's cases here.

PENDING ADMC VIOLATIONS

Date: 09/26/2023
Licensee: William Cowans, 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, Dream Keeper. This is also a possible violation of Rule 4222—Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.

Date: 09/26/2023
Licensee: William Cowans, 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, Secretary of War. This is also a possible violation of Rule 4222—Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.

Date: 09/19/2023

Licensee: Keri Brion, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Cocaine (Metabolite: Benzoylecgonine)—a banned substance—in a sample taken from chasing After You, who won at Presque Isle Downs on 9/19/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212—Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.

Read more on the story here.

Date: 09/15/2023
Licensee: Rodolfo Garcia, 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, Castellana. This is also a possible violation of Rule 4222—Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.

Date: 09/13/2023
Licensee: Michael Pappada, trainer
Penalty: Provisionally suspended
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: Concerns the horses Thisaintjumpstreet, Willie Wando, Tudox, Rue Majestic. This is a possible violation ofRule 3229(b)—Status During Provisional Suspension or Ineligibility

Date: 09/10/2023
Licensee: Luciano Medina Gabriel, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Omeprazole—Controlled Medications (Class C)—in a sample taken from Bel Ragazzo, who won at Emerald Downs on 9/10/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
Date: 09/06/2023
Licensee: Philip Aristone, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Lamotrigine—Controlled Medications (Class B)—in a sample taken from Jewels in the Bay, who won at Parx Racing on 9/06/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Date: 08/27/2023
Licensee: Mario Serey Jr., trainer
Penalty: Pending
Explainer: For the presence of Flunixin—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Some is Mine. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List Workout).

Date: 08/23/2023
Licensee: Jeffrey Englehart, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Methocarbamol—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Mi Tres Por Ciento. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.
Other notable changes:

The following trainers had their provisional suspensions lifted with a full merits hearing still pending:
McLane Hendricks – Princess Javoncia, cocaine positive on 8/16/23

Carlos Milian – Junglherly Love, hydrochlorothiazide positive on 7/29/23

Javier Morzan – Lady Liv, metformin positive on 6/24/23

Guadalupe Munoz Elizondo – Quinton's Charmer, metformin positive on 6/11/23

VIOLATIONS OF CROP RULE

One important note: HISA's whip use limit is restricted to six strikes during a race.
Delaware Park
Jairo Alonso Rendon – violation date Oct 11; $250 fine but no further records of the ruling

Keeneland
Jack Francis Gilligan – violation date Oct 11; $250 fine but no further records of the ruling
Christopher Emigh – violation date Oct 12; $250 fine but no further records of the ruling
Walter Antonio Rodriguez – violation date Oct 12; $250 fine but no further records of the ruling

OTHER KEY RULINGS
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.

FLORIDA
The following was taken from the ARCI's “recent rulings” webpage.
Track: Gulfstream Park
Date: 08/23/2023
Licensee: Todd Pletcher, trainer
Penalty: $1,000 fine
Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: STEWARD'S RULING FINAL ORDER # 2023-000983 – F.S. 550.2415 VIOLATION = DEXAMETHASONE. “OK BOOMER”

NEW YORK
Track: Aqueduct
Date: 10/11/2023
Licensee: Javier Castellano, jockey
Penalty: Three-day suspension
Violation: Careless riding
Explainer: Jockey Mr. Javier Castellano is hereby suspended 3 NYRA racing days, this for careless riding during the running of the 5th race at Aqueduct Racetrack on October 1st 2023 having appealed a stay has been granted.

Track: Aqueduct
Date: 10/11/2023
Licensee: Joel Rosario, jockey
Penalty: Three-day suspension
Violation: Careless riding
Explainer: Jockey Mr. Joel Rosario having waived his right to an appeal is hereby suspended 3 NYRA racing days October 19th 2023, October 20th 2023, and October 21st 2023 inclusive. This for careless riding during the running of the 7th race at Aqueduct Racetrack on October 4th 2023.

Track: Aqueduct
Date: 10/11/2023
Licensee: Jose Lezcano, jockey
Penalty: Three-day suspension
Violation: Careless riding
Explainer: Jockey Mr. Jose Lezcano having waived his right to an appeal is hereby suspended 3 NYRA racing days October 19th 2023, October 20th 2023, and October 21st 2023 inclusive. This for careless riding during the running of the 5th race at Aqueduct Racetrack on October 1st 2023.