Weekly Stewards and Commissions Rulings, Sept 19-25

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: Los Alamitos

Date: 09/23/2023

Licensee: Rigoberto Sevilla, apprentice jockey

Penalty: Thirty-day suspension

Violation: Drug violation

Explainer: Apprentice Jockey Rigoberto Sevilla is suspended for 30 days (September 26, 2023, through October 25, 2023) pursuant to California Horse Racing Board rule #1900 (Grounds for Suspension or Revocation) for violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1489 (a)(8) (Grounds for Denial or Refusal of License – engaged in the use of drugs, positive for methamphetamine and amphetamine).Furthermore, Rigoberto Sevilla shall be evaluated by the Winners Foundation and abide by their recommendations. Rigoberto Sevilla shall also sign a test agreement with the California Horse Racing Board and remain on a test agreement for as long as he holds a license in California.

Kentucky

Track: Churchill Downs

Date: 09/20/2023

Licensee: Florent Geroux, jockey

Penalty: Three-day suspension

Violation: Careless riding

Explainer: After a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Florent Geroux, who rode Orange Diablo in the fifth race at Churchill Downs on September 17, 2023, is hereby suspended three racing days, September 27 through September 23 (inclusive) for careless riding in the stretch that resulted in the disqualification of his mount.

Track: Churchill Downs

Date: 09/20/2023

Licensee: Walter Rodriguez, jockey

Penalty: Five-day suspension

Violation: Careless riding

Explainer: Having withdrawn the appeal of Stewards Ruling #23-0007 issued February 2, 2023, Walter Rodriguez is now hereby suspended five racing days, September 27 through October 1, 2023 (inclusive).

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

Los Alamitos

Cesar Ortega – violation date Sept 22; $250 fine and one-day suspension, 7 strikes

Erick Garcia – violation date Sept 24; $250 fine and one-day suspension, 8 strikes

Penn National

Ricardo Chiappe – violation date Sept 20; $250 fine but no further records of the ruling

Pending ADMC Violations

Date: 09/1/2023

Licensee: Jonathan Thomas, 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, Bay Storm. This is also a possible violation of Rule 4222—Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.

Date: 08/29/2023

Licensee: Conor Timothy Murphy, 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, Dixie Supreme. This is also a possible violation of Rule 4222—Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.

Date: 08/26/2023

Licensee: Jeff Mullins, 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, Dandy Man Shines. This is also a possible violation of Rule 4222—Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.

Date: 08/20/2023

Licensee: Randi Persaud, trainer

Penalty: Pending

Alleged Violation: Medication violation

Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone—Controlled Medications (Class C)—in a sample taken from Jumpster. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

In regards this case, trainer Totaram Rampersaud was previously incorrectly listed as the responsible trainer.

Date: 08/18/2023

Licensee: Reynaldo Yanaz, 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, Chapalu. This is also a possible violation of Rule 4222—Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.

Resolved ADMC Violations

Date: 08/17/2023

Licensee: Norm Casse, trainer

Penalty: A fine of $3,000; 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, Mo Flight. This is also a possible violation of Rule 4222–Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.

Date: 08/16/2023

Licensee: Nevada Litfin, trainer

Penalty: 3-month period of Ineligibility, beginning on August 23, 2023, plus a 60-day period of Ineligibility for the accumulation of 9 penalty points, beginning on November 23, 2023; a fine of $3,500; imposition of 9 penalty points.

Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3313–Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Method and/or Controlled Medication Substance during the Race Period on the horse Dominus Tecum; Rule 3315(a)—Administration or Attempted Administration of a Controlled Medication Method and/or Controlled Medication Substance during the Race Period; Rule 3327(b)—Aggravating Circumstances; Rule 4220—Controlled Medication Method; Rule 4212—Controlled Medication Substances Prohibited During the Race Period – Acetylcysteine (Class C) and Furosemide (Class C); Rule 2230—Possession of a Hypodermic Needle/Syringe

Date: 08/14/2023

Licensee: Michael Matz, trainer

Penalty: A fine of $3,000; 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, Late Frost. This is also a possible violation of Rule 4222—Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.

Date: 08/13/2023

Licensee: Jennifer Nunnally, trainer

Penalty: A fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points.

Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone—Controlled Medications (Class C)—in a sample taken from Seraphimzale. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Date: 08/12/2023

Licensee: Robert Klesaris, 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 fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points.

Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone—Controlled Medications (Class C)—in a sample taken from Battalion, who won at Laurel Park on 8/12/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Date: 08/10/2023

Licensee: Carlos Lopez, trainer

Penalty: 30-day period of Ineligibility, beginning on September 23, 2023; 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 fine of $2,500; imposition of 3 penalty points.

Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3313—Use or Attempted Use of a ControlledMedication Method and/or Controlled Medication Substance during the Race Period—on the horse, I said Hey. This is also a possible violation of Rule 4221—Alkalinization or Use of an Alkalinizing Agent (TCO2)

Date: 08/10/2023

Licensee: Carlos Lopez, 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); Treated as 1 violation with I Said Hey under 9/8/23 HISA Guidance.

Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3313—Use or Attempted Use of a ControlledMedication Method and/or Controlled Medication Substance during the Race Period —on the horse, Brodytheoxman. This is also a possible violation of Rule 4221—Alkalinization or Use of an Alkalinizing Agent (TCO2)

Date: 08/03/2023

Licensee: James Toner, 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 fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points.

Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone—Controlled Medications (Class C)—in a sample taken from Commandeer, who won at Colonial Downs on 8/3/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Date: 08/01/2023

Licensee: Miguel Alamo, 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 fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points.

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: A fine of $3,000; 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, 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: John Pimental, trainer

Penalty: 18-month period of Ineligibility, beginning on January 28, 2025; fine of $12,500

Explainer: For the possible presence or possession of Levothyroxine, a banned substance. This is a possible violation of Rule 3214 (a)—Presence of a Banned Substance or a Banned Method.

Date: 07/04/2023

Licensee: Milton Pineda, trainer

Penalty: 18-month period of Ineligibility, beginning on February 6, 2034; 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 fine of $12,500.

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: 07/02/2023

Licensee: Milton Pineda, trainer

Penalty: 18-month period of Ineligibility, beginning on July 6, 2032; 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 fine of $12,500.

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: 18-month period of Ineligibility, beginning on February 6, 2031; 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 fine of $12,500.

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: 07/01/2023

Licensee: Domenick Schettino, trainer

Penalty: 7-day period of Ineligibility, beginning on September 22, 2023; 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 fine of $1,000; imposition of 2 penalty points.

Explainer: For the presence of Levamisole—Controlled Medication (Class B)—in a sample taken from Fast Study, who finished second at Belmont Park on 7/1/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Date: 06/23/2023

Licensee: Milton Pineda, trainer

Penalty: 18-month period of Ineligibility, beginning on July 6, 2029; Disqualification of the Covered Horse's race results obtained on 6/23/23 and 7/4/23, 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 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: 06/18/2023

Licensee: Milton Pineda, trainer

Penalty: 18-month period of Ineligibility, beginning on February 6, 2028; 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 fine of $12,500.

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: 06/11/2023

Licensee: Jose Camejo, trainer

Penalty:  7-day period of Ineligibility, beginning on September 23, 2023; a fine of $1,500; imposition of 3.5 penalty points.

Explainer: For the presence of Methocarbamol—Controlled Medication (Class C)—and Promazine Sulfoxide—Controlled Medication (Class B)—in a sample taken from Fire King. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substances.

Date: 06/10/2023

Licensee: Milton Pineda, trainer

Penalty: 18-month period of Ineligibility, beginning on July 6, 2026; Disqualification of the Covered Horse's race results obtained on 6/10/23 and 6/24/23, 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 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: 18-month period of Ineligibility, beginning on February 6, 2025; 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 fine of $12,500.

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: 06/07/2023

Licensee: Dennis VanMeter, 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); Period of Ineligibility of at least 60 days for Covered Horse, with reinstatement subject only to a Negative Finding on a Re-Entry Test administered by HIWU.

Explainer: For the presence of Isoxsuprine—a banned substance—in a sample taken from Templement, who finished sixth at Thistledown on 6/7/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212—Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.

Read more on the story here.

Date: 06/02/2023

Licensee: Milton Pineda, trainer

Penalty: 18-month period of Ineligibility, beginning on July 6, 2023; 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 fine of $12,500.

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.

Date: 05/29/2023

Licensee: John Pimental, trainer

Penalty: 18-month period of Ineligibility, beginning on July 28, 2023; period of Ineligibility for Golovkin of at least 60 days, beginning on July 28, 2023; Disqualification of the results obtained on May 29, 2023, June 23, 2023, and July 14, 2023; fine of $12,500.

Explainer: For the presence of Methamphetamine—a banned substance—in a sample taken from Golovkin, who finished sixth at Monmouth Park on 5/29/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212—Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.