Horse owner Manuel B. Flores has been summarily suspended by the New Mexico Racing Commission for allegedly handing an illegal electrical device to jockey Hector Aldrete in the paddock prior to a Quarter Horse race at Ruidoso Downs on Aug. 6.
Aldrete has also been summarily suspended for what is alleged to be his second violation for possession of an illegal electrical device. He served just over two years of a five-year suspension handed him in September 2016 after being charged with possession of an electrical device commonly referred to as a machine, battery, or buzzer.
Flores is part-owner of Jingle and Go, who was entered in the 10th race on Aug. 6, with Aldrete named to ride. According to the ruling posted on the Association of Racing Commissioners International website, Flores “was witnessed handing off an electrical device” to Aldrete in the paddock area prior to the race.
Trained by Armando Castellanos (who has not been implicated by the NMRC), Jingle and Go susequently finished eighth in the 350-yard allowance race for fillies and mares at odds of 4-1 under substitute rider Daniel Amaya.
The ruling states, in part: “Grounds for disciplinary measures for a licensee, and refusal, denial, suspension, or revocation of a license: 16.47.1.8 L. (1)(e) (i) (o): (e) has been found in violation of rules governing racing in this state or other jurisdictions; (i) is a person whose conduct or reputation may adversely reflect on the honesty and integrity of horse racing or interfere with the orderly conduct of a race meeting; interfering with the orderly conduct of a race meeting shall include, but is not limited to, disruptive or intemperate behavior or behavior which exposes others to danger anywhere on the racetrack grounds; the fact that the race meet was not actually interrupted is not a defense to the imposition of discipline under this rule; (o) has engaged in conduct unbecoming or detrimental to the best interests of racing.”
Aldrete is scheduled to have a hearing before the stewards Aug. 13, with a hearing for owner Flores to take place Aug. 15.
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