Hall of Fane jockey Kent Desormeaux has been suspended by the California Horse Racing Board for failing to respond to written notice to appear before the board of stewards to answer charges over alleged disorderly conduct and failure to abide by an agreement with the Winners Foundation concerning use of alcohol or other mind-altering substances.
Desormeaux, 52, has not ridden since being arrested in late January in Breaux Bridge, La., and charged with domestic abuse and battery. The Louisiana native was thought to be en route from Southern California to South Florida to ride Stilleto Boy in the Grade 1 Pegasus World Cup Invitational at Gulfstream Park on Jan. 29 when he was arrested.
The scheduled appearance before the CHRB stewards was not related to the Louisiana arrest but, according to Daily Racing Form, stemmed from a Nov. 23, 2021, disturbance at an RV park on the Del Mar fair grounds property during Del Mar Thoroughbred Club's fall meeting. The Form, quoting from the complaint, reported that Desormeaux admitted to consuming alcohol “throughout the year” in apparent violation of the rider receiving a conditional license following a 2020 disturbance at Del Mar that was reportedly fueled by alcohol.
The March 4 ruling says Desormeaux is suspended “pending an appearance at a hearing before a board of stewards to answer to charges alleging violation of CHRB rule No. 1874 (Disorderly Conduct – Causing a disturbance) and No. 1485(d) (License Subject to Conditions and Agreement – Failure to abide by an agreement with the Winners Foundation).”
Tony Matos, agent for Desormeaux, said the jockey has not been in touch with him since the January arrest.
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