Weekly Rulings: October 24-30

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.

Here's a primer on how each of these jurisdictions adjudicates different offenses, what they make public (or not) and where.

The TDN also posts a roundup 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
Date: 10/04/2023
Licensee: Sarah Hamilton, 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, Lupo's Legacy. This is also a possible violation of Rule 4222—Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.

Date: 10/04/2023
Licensee: Michael Trombetta, 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, Battle of Bastogne. This is also a possible violation of Rule 4222—Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.
Date: 09/27/2023
Licensee: James Crotts, 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 Methocarbomal—Controlled Medications (Class C)—in a sample taken from Kentucky Dawn, who finished second at Remington Park on 9/27/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
Date: 09/24/2023
Licensee: Manuel Badilla, 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 Dexamethasone—Controlled Medications (Class C)—in a sample taken from Regal Redwood, who finished third at Golden Gate on 9/24/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
Date: 09/10/2023
Licensee: Luciano Medina Gabriel, 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); written reprimand (per 9/26/23 HISA Guidance). Final Decision by HIWU.
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: 08/27/2023
Licensee: Mario Serey Jr., trainer
Penalty: 7-day period of Ineligibility, beginning on October 26, 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 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission.
Explainer: For the presence of Flunixin—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Some is Nine, who finished sixth at Timonium on 8/27/2023. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.
Date: 07/29/2023
Licensee: Carlos Milian, trainer
Penalty: No Consequences except for Public Disclosure due to No Fault or Negligence. Final Decision of HIWU/Admission.
Explainer: For the presence of Hydrochlorothiazide—a banned substance—in a sample taken from Junglherly Love. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212—Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.
Date: 07/28/2023
Licensee: Don Roberson, 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 of IAP.
Explainer: For the presence of Flunixin—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Secret Life Style, who finished seventh at Emerald Downs on 7/28/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List Workout).

Date: 07/20/2023
Licensee: Cassondra Weaver, trainer
Penalty: 15-day period of Ineligibility, beginning on October 30, 2023; a fine of $1,000; imposition of 2 Penalty Points. Final decision of IAP.
Explainer: For the presence of Acepromazine—Controlled Medications (Class B)—in a sample taken from Coyote Runner. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of a Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List Workout).
PENDING ADMC VIOLATIONS
Date: 10/12/2023
Licensee: Chad Summers, 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, Thank you Jon. This is also a possible violation of Rule 4222—Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.
Date: 10/11/2023
Licensee: Chad Summers, 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, Rayya Valentine. This is also a possible violation of Rule 4222—Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.
Date: 09/28/2023
Licensee: Terry Eoff, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Methocarbomal—Controlled Medications (Class C)—in a sample taken from Kentucky Dawn, who finished second at Remington Park on 9/28/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
Date: 08/28/2023
Licensee: Ruben Gomez, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Acepromazine—Controlled Medications (Class B)—in a sample taken from Blue Cloud. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
The following cases have been returned to the “pending violation” list having previously been resolved.

Date: 07/04/2023
Licensee: Milton Pineda, trainer
Penalty: Provisionally suspended
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Diisopropylamine—a banned substance—in a sample taken from Wegonahaveagoodtime, who won at Los Alamitos on 7/4/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212—Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.
Date: 07/04/2023
Licensee: Lorenzo Ruiz, trainer
Penalty: Provisionally suspended
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Diisopropylamine—a banned substance—in a sample taken from Kant Beat the Rock, who finished second at Los Alamitos on 7/4/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212—Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.
Date: 07/02/2023
Licensee: Milton Pineda, trainer
Penalty: Provisionally suspended
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Diisopropylamine—a banned substance—in a sample taken from Keep Your Coil, who won at Los Alamitos on 7/2/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212—Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.
Date: 07/01/2023
Licensee: Milton Pineda, trainer
Penalty: Provisionally suspended
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Diisopropylamine—a banned substance—in a sample taken from Catbernay, who won at Los Alamitos on 7/1/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212—Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.
Date: 06/25/2023
Licensee: Lorenzo Ruiz, trainer
Penalty: Provisionally suspended
Alleged violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Diisopropylamine—a banned substance—in a sample taken from American Cat, who finished fifth at Los Alamitos on 6/25/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212—Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
Date: 06/23/2023
Licensee: Milton Pineda, trainer
Penalty: Provisionally suspended
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Diisopropylamine—a banned substance—in a sample taken from Chollima, who won at Los Alamitos on 6/23/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212—Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.
Date: 06/23/2023
Licensee: Lorenzo Ruiz, trainer
Penalty: Provisionally suspended
Alleged violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Diisopropylamine—a banned substance—in a sample taken from Facts Matter, who won at Los Alamitos on 6/23/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212—Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.
Date: 06/18/2023
Licensee: Milton Pineda, trainer
Penalty: Provisionally suspended
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Diisopropylamine—a banned substance—in a sample taken from Bella Renella, who won at Santa Anita on 6/18/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212—Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.
Date: 06/10/2023
Licensee: Milton Pineda, trainer
Penalty: Provisionally suspended
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Diisopropylamine—a banned substance—in a sample taken from Big Splash, who won at Santa Anita on 6/10/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212—Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.
Date: 06/09/2023
Licensee: Milton Pineda, trainer
Penalty: Provisionally suspended
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Diisopropylamine—a banned substance—in a sample taken from Flatterswithjewels, who finished second at Santa Anita on 6/9/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212—Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.
Date: 06/02/2023
Licensee: Milton Pineda, trainer
Penalty: Provisionally suspended
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Diisopropylamine—a banned substance—in a sample taken from Bella Renella, who won at Santa Anita on 6/2/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212—Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.
Violations of Crop Rule
One important note: HISA's whip use limit is restricted to six strikes during a race.
Downs at Albuquerque
Larry Marquez – violation date Oct 25; $250 fine, one-day suspension
Mahoning Valley Race Course
William Vernon Bush – violation date Oct 25; $250 fine, eight-day suspension
Parx Racing
Abner Perez Adorno – violation date Oct 19; $250 fine, one-day suspension
Presque Isle Downs
Martina Lynn Rojas- violation date Oct 24; $250 fine, one-day suspension
OTHER KEY RULINGS
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.
CALIFORNIA
Track: Santa Anita
Date: 10/29/2023
Licensee: Frankie Dettori, jockey
Penalty: Three-day suspension
Violation: Careless riding
Explainer: Jockey Lanfranco Dettori, who rode Circle of Trust in the fifth race at Santa Anita Park on October 28, 2023, is suspended for 3 racing days (November 5, 25 and 26, 2023) for altering course without sufficient clearance in the far turn, causing interference resulting in the disqualification of his mount from first to eighth; a violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1699 (Riding Rules – careless riding).
FLORIDA
The following was taken from the ARCI's “recent rulings” webpage.
Track: Gulfstream Park
Date: 10/06/2023
Licensee: Saffie Joseph, trainer
Penalty: $500
Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: Steward's Ruling FO # 2022-047809 – F.S. 550.2415 Violation = Flunixin & Phenylbutazone. “CAPRIDREY”
Track: Gulfstream Park
Date: 10/06/2023
Licensee: Elizabeth Dobles, trainer
Penalty: $1,000 fine, unknown suspension
Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: Steward's Ruling Final Order # 2022-047262 – F. S. 550.2415 Violation = Methocarbamol. “ELLIEREESEASTON” Suspension dates to be determined by the State Stewards.
Track: Gulfstream Park
Date: 10/06/2023
Licensee: Gerald James, trainer
Penalty: $500 fine, 15-day suspension
Violation: Medication violation
Explainer:  Stewards Ruling Final Order # 2023-001838 – F.S. 550.2415 Violation = Clenbuterol. “SOUL OF AN ANGEL” 15-DAY SUSP IMPOSED – DATES TO BE DETERMINED BY STATE STEWARDS.

Track: Gulfstream Park
Date: 10/06/2023
Licensee: Aubrey Maragh, trainer
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: Steward's Ruling Final Order # 2022-045845 – F.S. 550.2415 Violation = Flunixin and Phenylbutazone. “BADBADBOBBY”
NEW YORK
Track: Aqueduct
Date: 10/29/2023
Licensee: Irad Ortiz, jockey
Penalty: Three-day suspension
Violation: Careless riding
Explainer: For having waived his right to an appeal Jockey Mr. Irad Ortiz Jr is hereby suspended 3 NYRA racing days November 5th 2023, November 9th 2023, November 10th 2023 inclusive. This for careless riding during the running of the 3rd race at Aqueduct Racetrack on October 22nd 2023.