Weekly Stewards and Commissions Rulings, May 16-22

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.

With the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) having gone into effect on July 1, 2022, the TDN will also post a roundup of the relevant HISA-related rulings from the same week.

New York

Track: Belmont Park

Date: 05/21/2023

Licensee: Caitlin Owen, racing official

Penalty: $1,000 fine

Violation: Failure to tend to business in a “proper manner”

Explainer: Racing Official Dr. Caitlin Owen is hereby fined the sum of one thousand ($1,000) dollars for failing to tend to business in a proper manner necessitating a scratch in the 8th race at Belmont park on May 21st 2023. The TDN has asked for clarification on the issue and will update as needed.

Kentucky

Track: Churchill Downs

Date: 05/18/2023

Licensee: Irad Ortiz, Jr., jockey

Penalty: $1,000 fine

Violation: Wearing unapproved promotional materials

Explainer: After waiving his right to a formal hearing before the Board of Stewards, Irad Ortiz, Jr. is hereby fined $1,000 for failure to comply with the regulation that governs advertising by wearing promotional materials in race 11 at Churchill Downs on May 6, 2023, without written approval. Upon receipt of this ruling, the licensee is required within thirty (30) days to pay any and all fines imposed to the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. Failure to do so will subject the licensee to a summary Suspension of license pursuant to 810 KAR 3:020 Section 15 (CC).

NEW HISA STEWARDS RULINGS

The following rulings were reported on HISA's “rulings” portal, except for 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

Finger Lakes

Carlos Damian Camilo – violation date May 16; $250 fine and one-day suspension, 7 strikes

Horseshoe Indianapolis

Joe Ramos – violation date May 16; $100 fine, “raising his wrist above his helmet when striking his mount”

Hannah Leahey – violation date May 18; $250 fine and one-day suspension, 7 strikes

Prairie Meadows

Cindy Sue Murphy – violation date May 20; $250 fine and one-day suspension, “excessive whipping”

Presque Isle Downs

Walber Alencar – violation date May 16; $250 fine and one-day suspension, 8 strikes