Every week, the TDN posts a roundup of the relevant Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA)-related rulings from around the country.
Among this week's rulings, an independent arbitration panel suspended trainer Jason DaCosta for 15 days (starting on Mar. 22) and fined him $1,000 after his trainee, Poker Partner, tested positive for Gabapentin when winning at Presque Isle Downs on July 18 last year.
Gabapentin is a class B controlled medication under HISA that is an FDA human-approved anticonvulsant used to treat conditions like epilepsy, postherpetic neuralgia and in the treatment of partial onset seizures.
Trainer Carla Morgan has also been suspended for seven days and fined $1,000 after her trainee, River City Rocker, tested positive for the presence of the sedative, Xylazine, for a vet's list workout on Jan. 2 this year.
NEW HISA/HIWU STEWARDS RULINGS
The following rulings were reported on HISA's “rulings” portal and through the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit's (HIWU) “pending” and “resolved” cases portals.
Resolved ADMC Violations
Resolution Date: 03/14/2024
Licensee: Leon Minott, trainer
Penalty: A fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission.
Alleged violation: Vet's list medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Slender Slipper on 2/3/24. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
Resolution Date: 03/15/2024
Licensee: Carla Morgan, trainer
Penalty: 7-day period of Ineligibility, beginning on March 16, 2024; a fine of $1,000; imposition of 2 Penalty Points. Admission.
Alleged violation: Vet's list medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Xylazine-Controlled Medication (Class B)-in a sample taken from River City Rocker on 1/2/24. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
Resolution Date: 03/15/2024
Licensee: Jose D'Angelo, trainer
Penalty: A written reprimand
Alleged violation: Vets' list medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Omeprazole and Cimetidine-both Controlled Medications (Class C)-in a sample taken from Sun Azteca on 2/14/24. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
Resolution Date: 03/18/2024
Licensee: Isidro Tamayo, trainer
Penalty: A fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision by HIWU.
Alleged violation: Vet's list medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Silent Beauty on 1/28/24. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
Resolution Date: 03/18/2024
Licensee: Jose Jimenez, trainer
Penalty: A fine of $3,000; imposition of 3 Penalty Points. Admission.
Alleged violation: Pre-workout joint injection 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, Just Katherine. This was also a possible violation of Rule 4222-Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.
Resolution Date: 03/19/2024
Licensee: John Shirreffs, trainer
Penalty: A written reprimand.
Alleged violation: Vet's list medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Omeprazole (ulcer paste)-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Sully on 2/12/24. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
Resolution Date: 03/20/2024
Licensee: Alejandro Gomez, trainer
Penalty: A fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points.
Alleged violation: Vet's list medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Flunixin-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Tamanrassett on 1/25/24. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
Resolution Date: 03/21/2024
Licensee: Jason DaCosta, trainer
Penalty: A period of Ineligibility of fifteen (15) days, starting March 22, 2024; 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 independent arbitration panel.
Explainer: For the presence of Gabapentin-Controlled Medications (Class B)-in a sample taken from Poker Partner, who won at Presque Isle Downs on 7/18/23. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
Pending ADMC Violations
Date: 02/10/2024
Licensee: Jonathan Maldonado, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Capsaicin-Controlled Medication (Class B)-in a sample taken from Kapadokya, who won at Laurel Park on 02/10/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
Date: 03/02/2024
Licensee: Sally Rivera, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged violation: Vet's list medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Stormy Joe on 3/2/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
Date: 02/20/2024
Licensee: Elliott Sullivan, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged violation: Pre-workout joint injection 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, My d'Valentine. This was also a possible violation of Rule 4222-Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.
Date: 02/29/2024
Licensee: Riley Tucker Mott, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged violation: Pre-workout joint injection 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, Brian. This was also a possible violation of Rule 4222-Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.
Date: 03/01/2024
Licensee: Philip Serpe, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged violation: Pre-workout joint injection 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, Itsallcomingtogetha. This was also a possible violation of Rule 4222-Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.
Date: 02/20/2024
Licensee: Randy Preston, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Flunixin-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Sharp Life, who finished fourth at Mahoning Valley on 02/20/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
Date: 02/28/2024
Licensee: Patricia Farro, trainer
Penalty: Provisionally suspended
Alleged violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Cobalt Salts (eg CoCl2)-a banned substance-in a sample taken from Knockout Win, who won at Parx Racing on 2/28/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212-Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List Workout).
Date: 02/19/2024
Licensee: Michelle Nevin, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged violation: Vet's list medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Betamethasone-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Everlys Girl on 02/19/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
Date: 02/21/2024
Licensee: Michael Simone, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged violation: Vet's list medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from The Bearrish One on 02/21/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
Date: 02/25/2024
Licensee: Adan Farias, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged violation: Vet's list medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Dexamethasone-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Misty Rain on 02/25/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
Date: 01/19/2024
Licensee: Blaine Wright, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged violation: Vet's list medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Betamethasone-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Wodeton, who won at Golden Gate on 01/19/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
Date: 02/18/2024
Licensee: Arnold Torres, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged violation: Vet's list medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Methocarbamol-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Its Thievery on 02/18/24. 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.
Oaklawn Park
Ramsey Howard Zimmerman – violation date March 15; $250 fine and 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: Santa Anita
Date: 03/16/2024
Licensee: Robert Henie, owner
Penalty: Restoration of good standing
Violation: N/A
Explainer: Owner Robert Henie, having satisfied a financial complaint filed by Linda Madsen (aka Milky Way Farm) for $6,450.00, is restored to good standing and California Horse Racing Board LATS Ruling #42 dated March 8, 2024, is set aside.
Track: Santa Anita
Date: 03/16/2024
Licensee: Gary Hartunian, owner/Peter Miller, trainer
Penalty: Payment of fees, surrender of ownership percentage
Violation: Financial responsibility
Explainer: Following a formal hearing held at Santa Anita Park on March 7, 2024, pursuant to California Horse Racing Board rule #1876 (Financial Responsibility – farm, training and hauling fees), it is ordered that Owner Gary Hartunian (dba Rockingham Ranch) pay Owner/Trainer Peter Miller the amount of $128.50 by April 1, 2024, whereby Peter Miller must surrender his 25% ownership of “Chasing Conquest” or pay $7,371.50 for farm, training and hauling fees to M Gary Hartunian by April 7, 2024, to retain 25% ownership. Failure to do so will result in the suspension of all licenses held by Gary Hartunian and/or Peter Miller.
Track: Santa Anita
Date: 03/17/2024
Licensee: Steve Knapp, owner-trainer
Penalty: 15-day suspension, $1,000 fine
Violation: Training soundness examination violation
Explainer: Owner/Trainer Steve Knapp, who trained Truest of True on January 18, 2024, at Santa Anita Park, is suspended for 15 days (April 1, 2024, thru April 15, 2024) and fined $1,000 for violation of California Horse Racing Board rules #1846.3 (Veterinary and Training Records for Horses Requiring Training Soundness Examination) and #1846.2 (Training Soundness Examination – no ninety-day examination).
Track: Santa Anita
Date: 03/17/2024
Licensee: Steve Knapp, owner-trainer
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: Training soundness examination violation
Explainer: Trainer Steve Knapp, who trained Nickle Nickle Nine on September 21, 2023, at Santa Anita Park, is fined $500 for violation of California Horse Racing Board rules #1846.3 (Veterinary and Training Records for Horses Requiring Training Soundness Examination) and #1846.2 (Training Soundness Examination – no ninety-day examination).
Track: Santa Anita
Date: 03/17/2024
Licensee: Tiago Pereira, jockey
Penalty: Three-day suspension
Violation: Careless riding
Explainer: Jockey Tiago Pereira, who rode Sketchy in the seventh race at Santa Anita Park on March 16, 2024, is suspended for 3 racing days (March 24, 29 and 30, 2024) for failure to maintain a straight course in the stretch and causing interference; a violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1699 (Riding Rules – careless riding).
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