By Dan Ross
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.
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.
California
Track: Del Mar
Date: 08/31/2023
Licensee: Ramon Vazquez Jr., jockey
Penalty: Three-day suspension
Violation: Careless riding
Explainer: Jockey Ramon Vazquez Jr. who rode Mr. Dreamcycle in the first race at Del Mar Race Track on August 27, 2023, is suspended for 3 racing days (September 8, 9 and 10, 2023) for altering course without sufficient clearance in the turn, causing interference. This constitutes a violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1699 (Riding Rules – careless riding).
Track: Del Mar
Date: 09/01/2023
Licensee: Armando Aguilar, jockey
Penalty: Ten-day suspension
Violation: Careless riding
Explainer: Apprentice Jockey Armando Aguilar, who rode Tom and Jazzy in the first race at Del Mar Race Track on Thursday, August 31, 2023 is suspended for 10 racing days (September 8, 9, 10, 15 ,16, 17, 22, 23, 24, & 29, 2023) for altering course without sufficient clearance, causing interference and an accident entering the stretch, resulting in the disqualification of his mount from second to unplaced; a violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1699 (Riding Rules – Careless Riding).
Kentucky
Track: Ellis Park
Date: 08/26/2023
Licensee: Philip D'Amato, trainer
Penalty: $1,000 fine
Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: Upon receipt of notification from the University of Kentucky Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, the official testing laboratory for the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and confirmed at Industrial Laboratories, sample number R010263 taken from Hong Kong Harry, who finished second in the eleventh race at Churchill Downs on May 6, 2023, contained mofebutazone in urine (ARCI Class 4). After waiving his right to a formal hearing before the Board of Stewards, Philip D'Amato is hereby fined $1,000. Hong Kong Harry is disqualified and all purse money forfeited.
Read more on the story here.
Track: Ellis Park
Date: 08/26/2023
Licensee: Elias Lopez, trainer
Penalty: $1,000 fine
Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: Upon receipt of notification from the University of Kentucky Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, the official testing laboratory for the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and confirmed at Industrial Laboratories, sample number R009603 taken from Flamand, who finished first in the first race at Keeneland on April 28, 2023, contained mofebutazone in urine (ARCI Class 4). After waiving his right to a formal hearing before the Board of Stewards, Elias Lopez is hereby fined $1,000. Flamand is disqualified and all purse money forfeited.
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.
This does not include the voided claim rulings which were sent to the TDN directly. Some of these rulings are from prior weeks as they were not reported contemporaneously.
One important note: HISA's whip use limit is restricted to six strikes during a race.
Violations of Crop Rule
Belterra Park
Isaias Florentino Ayala – violation date Aug 29; $250 fine but no further records of the ruling
Eder Luis Martinez – violation date Sept 1; $250 fine but no further records of the ruling
Colonial Downs
Colby Joseph Hernandez – violation date Aug 29; $250 fine but no further records of the ruling
Feargal Lynch – violation date Sept 1; $1,080 fine but no further records of the ruling, on appeal and stay granted
Del Mar
Antonio Fresu – violation dates 8/31, 8/31, 9/1, 9/1, 9/4, 9/4; $1,242 fine and 32-day suspension combined
Read more on the story here.
Remington Park
Obed Sanchez – violation date Aug 31; $250 fine but no further records of the ruling
Gerardo Mora Rosales – violation date Aug 31; $250 fine but no further records of the ruling
Pending ADMC Violations
Date: 08/06/2023
Licensee: Antonio Arriaga, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone–Controlled Medications (Class C)–in a sample taken from Jet Set Juliet. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312–Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
Date: 08/05/2023
Licensee: Michael Lauer, trainer
Penalty: Provisionally suspended
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Metformin–a banned substance–in a sample taken from Mowins who finished third at Horseshoe Indianapolis on 8/5/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212–Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.
Date: 08/04/2023
Licensee: Jorge Maravilla, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Gabapentin–Controlled Medications (Class B)–in a sample taken from Mowins, who won at Santa Rosa 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: 08/03/2023
Licensee: David Mohan, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Methocarbamol–Controlled Medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from Shoot Themessenger. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312–Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
Date: 08/01/2023
Licensee: Miguel Alamo, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Dexamethasone–Controlled Medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from Late Date, who finished fifth at Thistledown on 8/1/23. 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).
Date: 07/30/2023
Licensee: Carlos Sedillo, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged Violation: Intra-articular injection
Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314–Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method–on the horse, Smooth Waters. This is also a possible violation of Rule 4222–Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.
Date: 07/28/2023
Licensee: Don Roberson, trainer
Penalty: Pending
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: 06/28/2023
Licensee: Jacqueline Falk, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Methocarbamol–Controlled Medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from Gold Templar, who finished second at Finger Lakes on 6/28/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312–Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
Resolved ADMC Violations
Date: 07/27/2023
Licensee: James Russell Jackson, trainer
Penalty: A $3,000 fine; imposition of 3 Penalty Points
Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314—Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method—on the horse, I Wanna Win. This is also a possible violation of Rule 4222—Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.
Date: 07/26/2023
Licensee: Israel Borges, trainer
Penalty: Disqualification of the 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 $500 fine; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points
Explainer: For the presence of Flunixin–Controlled Medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from Luckytobeinamerica, who finished sixth at Penn National on 7/26/23. 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: 07/24/2023
Licensee: Dick Clark, trainer
Penalty: 18-month period of Ineligibility for Covered Person beginning on July 24, 2029; a fine of $12,500.
Explainer: Possession of a Banned Substance, Levothyroxine (Thyro-L). Rule 3214(a): “Other Anti-Doping Rule Violations Involving Banned Substances or Banned Methods. The following acts and omissions constitute Anti-Doping Rule Violations by the Covered Person(s) in question: (a) Possession of a Banned Substance or a Banned Method, unless there is compelling justification for such Possession.”
Date: 07/22/2023
Licensee: Dick Clark, trainer
Penalty: 18-month period of Ineligibility for Covered Person beginning on July 24, 2026; 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 $12,500.
Explainer: For the presence of Methamphetamine–a banned substance–in a sample taken from Kissed a Cadet, who won at Prairie Meadows on 7/22/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212–Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.
Date: 07/22/2023
Licensee: Dick Clark, trainer
Penalty: 18-month period of Ineligibility for Covered Person beginning on July 24, 2028; 60-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Horse beginning on August 2, 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 $12,500.
Explainer: For the presence of Methamphetamine–a banned substance–in a sample taken from Kissed a Cadet, who won at Prairie Meadows on 7/22/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212–Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.
Date: 07/21/2023
Licensee: Kenneth Cox, trainer
Penalty: Disqualification of the 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 $500 fine; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points
Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone–Controlled Medications (Class C)–in a sample taken from Not as Lucky as Us, who won at Colonial Downs on 7/21/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312–Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.
Date: 07/17/2023
Licensee: Troy Smith, trainer
Penalty: Disqualification of the 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 $500 fine; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points
Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone–Controlled Medications (Class C)–in a sample taken from Rattleme, who won at Finger Lakes on 7/17/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312–Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.
Date: 07/03/2023
Licensee: Dick Clark, trainer
Penalty: 18-month period of Ineligibility for Covered Person beginning on January 24, 2025; 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 $12,500.
Explainer: For the presence of Methamphetamine–a banned substance–in a sample taken from Colonel Klink, who won at Prairie Meadows on 7/3/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212–Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.
Date: 06/24/2023
Licensee: Jorge Rosales, trainer
Penalty: Disqualification of the 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 $500 fine; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points
Explainer: For the presence of Dexamethasone–Controlled Medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from Youonlylivetwice. 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)
Date: 06/19/2023
Licensee: Dick Clark, trainer
Penalty: 18-month period of Ineligibility for Covered Person beginning on July 24, 2023; 60-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Horse beginning on July 24, 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 $12,500.
Explainer: For the presence of Methamphetamine–a banned substance–in a sample taken from Colonel Klink, who finished second at Prairie Meadows on 6/19/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212–Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.
Date: 06/10/2023
Licensee: Javier Hernandez, 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.
Explainer: For the presence of Salicylic Acid–Controlled Medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from Chief Mystique who won at Belterra Park on 6/10/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312–Presence of Controlled Medication Substance.
Date: 06/10/2023
Licensee: Javier Hernandez, 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.
Explainer: For the presence of Salicylic Acid–Controlled Medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from Fast Fall who won at Belterra Park on 6/10/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312–Presence of Controlled Medication Substance.
Date: 06/10/2023
Licensee: Lynn Rarick, 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.
Explainer: For the presence of Methocarbamol–Controlled Medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from Calzone, who finished fifth at Canterbury Park on 6/10/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312–Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.
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