Trainer Richard Baltas is making plans for his return to the Southern California horse racing scene as he nears the conclusion of a one-year suspension for “conduct detrimental to racing” and violating medication rules, reports the Daily Racing Form.
Baltas, who has won 722 races including seven Grade 1 stakes since taking out his trainer's license in 1991, is alleged to have had prohibited race-day administrations given to his horses on 21 occasions from April 15 through May 8, 2022. The treatments, said to be captured on Santa Anita's surveillance cameras, allegedly involved “X-Treme Air Boost,” and “other substances,” according to the original ruling.
A complaint filed by the CHRB against Baltas on June 21, 2022, included an investigation report outlining actions of an assistant trainer who allegedly was seen on video surveillance administering an oral dose of an unknown substance to the horse Noble Reflection on May 8.
Video surveillance reviewed by officials allegedly showed similar race-day activity occurred with over 20 Baltas horses between April 15 and May 8, 2022.
During his suspension, Baltas has been active at sales. The trainer told DRF that he will have approximately 20 horses between Santa Anita Park and San Luis Rey Downs, with his first starters expected during the winter/spring meet at beginning Dec. 26.
“Before the year's up, I could have a few runners,” Baltas told DRF. “I have old clients that want me back.
“I'm grateful to come back. That's all I'd like to say about that.”
Read more at the Daily Racing Form.
The post ‘Grateful To Come Back’: Nearing End Of One-Year Suspension, Richard Baltas Plans Starters At Santa Anita appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
