Weekly Stewards And Commissions Rulings, May 30-June 5

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.

California
Track: Santa Anita
Date: 06/04/2023
Licensee: Flavian Prat, jockey
Penalty: Three-day suspension
Violation: Appeal withdrawn, careless riding
Explainer: Having received notice from the California Horse Racing Board that the appeal of LATS Ruling #52 (April 21, 2023) has been withdrawn, the original ruling is reinstated.  Jockey Flavian Prat is suspended for 3 racing days (June 16, 17, and 18, 2023).

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
Jacqueline Anne Davis–violation date May 31; $250 fine and one-day suspension, “seven strikes and multiple violations 11-15 points: add 7 days” suspension (6-23-23 thru 6-29-23)
John Ramon Davila–violation date June 5; $250 fine and one-day suspension, 7 strikes

Presque Isle Downs
Scott Spieth–violation date June 5; $250 fine and one-day suspension, 7 strikes
Andrew R. Ramgeet–violation date June 5; $250 fine and one-day suspension, 7 strikes

Thistledown
Robert Andre Halledeen–violation date June 1; $250 fine and one-day suspension, 1-3 strikes over the limit
German Terraza–violation date June 5; $250 fine and one-day suspension, “striking the horse multiple times when the horse was in distress”