A statement released Tuesday by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority may put an end to the controversy surrounding this year's edition of the Grade 2 Lukas Classic at Churchill Downs. Not only was jockey Sonny Leon (Rich Strike) issued a 15-day suspension for his actions after a fight to the finish with eventual winners Tyler Gaffalione and Hot Rod Charlie, it was also later alleged that Hot Rod Charlie's footwear violated HISA's horseshoeing rules.
Photos of the race were purported to show a toe grab on Hot Rod Charlie's front shoe, which would be a violation of HISA regulations. However, HISA's investigation and independent review have concluded that Hot Rod Charlie was not in violation of the the HISA shoeing rules during the Lukas Classic.
The full statement from HISA is as follows: Last week, HISA received the findings of the investigation undertaken by HISA stewards concerning Hot Rod Charlie's participation in the Lukas Classic on Oct. 1, 2022 at Churchill Downs. The stewards concluded that Hot Rod Charlie was not in violation of HISA's horseshoe rules. After an independent review of the documents and related evidence submitted by the stewards, HISA has determined that the investigation was well-conducted and thorough, and agrees with the conclusion of the stewards.
HISA rule 2276 prohibits traction devices in the forelimb, including but not limited to rims, toe grabs, bends, jar calks and stickers. In late July, HISA altered its original traction device ban on both fore and hind limbs to permit either a full outer rim shoe (up to 4 mm in height) or a toe grab (up to 4 mm in height) on the hind limbs for dirt races. Rule 2276 does not say whether violations may result in disqualification.
Prior to the creation of HISA, the Kentucky commission already had a ban on front limb toe grabs.
Hot Rod Charlie's trainer, Doug O'Neill, denied the allegations with the following statement posted on his Facebook page:
“I would like to address the current story and the photo contained in the article that have surfaced since Saturday's win by Hot Rod Charlie in the Lukas Classic at Churchill Downs.
I swear on a stack of Bibles, that none of the horses in our stable wears toe grabs, and have not for years. I am 100% behind the science and studies that show toe grabs heighten the risk of limb injury, which is why we stopped using shoes with toe grabs long ago.
After seeing the photo, I don't blame Eric Reed for questioning Charlie's shoes. My only thought is that the photo is a weird reflection or is a result of it being altered.”
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