The news was first reported on Camarero's Facebook page, which posted the following: “Camarero Racecourse regrets the sudden death of rider Luis Yamil Marcano. Luis graduated from the Agustín Mercado Reverón Equestrian Vocational School in 2022 staying active since then in races at Camarero Racecourse and several racecourses in the United States. Our deepest condolences to all his family and friends. May he rest in peace!”

According to reports, Marcano was traveling on a white 2009 Honda CRF-450 motorcycle which was hit by a Ford F-150 vehicle. That driver of that vehicle fled the scene.

Sources close to Marcano said he was planning to return to the U.S. to ride at Tampa Bay Downs.

He made his debut Jan. 1, 2023 and won on his second career mount. He raced 382 times and rode 52 winners. He also was active at Thistledown, Horseshoe Indianapolis, Ellis Park, Churchill Downs, Keeneland, Mahoning Valley and Turfway Park.

The post Apprentice Jockey Luis Marcano Dies In Motorcycle Accident In Puerto Rico appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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But, at least initially, these things don't matter under the rules of the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU). Corrigan's horse had tested positive and he would be held responsible. With the B sample having come back and also containing methamphetamine, his suspension has taken effect. He faces a suspension of up to two years.

“This has to stop now, not just for me, but for racing,” Corrigan said. “I'm not walking out on this. But things have to change. People are scared and what they have done is create a toxic environment for everyone. People come to me and say they are scared. Is that what they want, where everyone is paranoid? It used to be that when you lost races you worried. Now, when you win races you worry as well.”

Corrigan, 63, who never trained in Ireland, opened up his stable in 1992. He has 315 career winners, including 13 in 2023. His best year was in 2011 when he won 32 races. According to the Jockey Club's Thoroughbred Regulatory Rulings page, Corrigan has never had a positive test. There's nothing about him or his record to even remotely suggest that he cheats.

But that's not something that enters in the picture when a trainer gets a positive test from HIWU for a banned substance. Six trainers have been sanctioned by HIWU for methamphetamine positives, including one trainer, Dick Clark, who has three separate positives for the drug.

Corrigan believes these are all cases of environmental contamination. He said that at Belterra one of the bathrooms is filthy, a reason why some urinate in the stalls. On top of that, he said dozens of people might handle the horse between the time it gets to the track and when it runs.

“They want me to control that. I can't,” he said. “It's environmental contamination. That's what happened. I can't be responsible for what other people are doing. So many different people touch the horses by the time they get to the starting gate. It's ridiculous that this can be penned on anyone.

“We know we're being scrutinized under HISA,” he said. “We're like fish in a bowl. We're under a microscope. Why would anybody give a horse anything when they know they're going to be tested. There's no logic to this, no commonsense. They want you to be responsible for what other people may or may not be doing. That's impossible, they're ignoring science and what you've got is people who don't know what they're doing patting themselves on the back.”

For Corrigan, the next step is to have a hearing which he said will cost him $8,500. If he loses the hearing he can always take his case outside of racing and to a court, which will cost even more money.

“I am not quitting,” he said. “I love the game and have been at it a long, long time. I've got the greatest owners and greatest staff in the country. Nobody has it better than me. I love the game.”

In the meantime, since the suspension went into effect on Dec. 27, he has had to disperse his horses to other trainers. He hopes commonsense will prevail and HIWU will cut him a break. But he can't be sure.

“Yes, I am worried I will get the full two years,” he said. “But to do so they're going to have to ignore that in the 30 years I've been training I've never had a bad test. And 30 years later, I am going to start cheating? It's mind boggling.”

Asked to comment on the Corrigan suspension, Alexa Ravit, Director of Communications & Outreach of the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit, provided the following statement:

“There were 10 reported methamphetamine findings (five positives from the same trainer, and two positives from Belterra) from 34,470 horses tested through October 7, the date of sample collection for Stay Lost. Therefore, the methamphetamine positivity rate was 0.029%.

When a trainer is notified that a Covered Horse under their care has tested positive for a human substance of abuse such as methamphetamine, the positive test will not be publicized, and a Provisional Suspension will not be imposed, unless/until the B Sample result confirms the A Sample finding. This rule was modified to give trainers time while the B Sample analysis was being completed to provide information to HIWU that indicates that the positive test result was likely due to unintended transfer or contamination.

Mr. Corrigan did not provide any information to HIWU while waiting for B Sample analysis. The ADMC Program's adjudication procedures for alleged Anti-Doping Rule Violations include the right to request a hearing before the Arbitral Body, and Mr. Corrigan has informed HIWU that he is exercising that right.”

HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus added, “HISA and HIWU have gone to tremendous efforts to make resources available to trainers to bring information to our attention if a horse tests positive. We made Alan Foreman available as an ombudsman, we launched a panel of free lawyers for trainers who can't afford representation, and our staff is always available to answer questions and liaise with horsemen. When Mr. Corrigan was notified of his positive test he was asked by HIWU to provide any information that would help in the evaluation of his case. He ignored the request and never answered HIWU or provided any information whatsoever. The first time we learned that he believed the positive test was caused by contamination was when we were asked to comment on the case by the TDN. It is very hard to help trainers if they do not communicate with us or use the resources available to them.”

The post Jimmy Corrigan Vows to Fight HIWU Suspension appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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Among the key rulings from the last seven days, trainer Jimmy Corrigan has been provisionally suspended as a result of his trainee, Stay Lost–who won at Belterra Park on Oct. 7 last year–testing positive for Methamphetamine.

HISA currently lists Methamphetamine–a common human recreation drug–as a banned substance, which comes with a possible two-year suspension. With banned substances under HISA, responsible parties are subject to a provisional suspension, prior to a full hearing, if the B sample confirms the positive test result from the A sample.

As part of a list of proposed rule changes before the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), drugs like Methamphetamine could be re-categorized as human substances of abuse.

If the FTC accepts this rule change, the trainer could still possibly face a provisional suspension for a “human substances of abuse” violation, if the B sample analysis confirms the original positive test result.

“However, the trainer would not be subject to a suspension of more than 60 days (for a first violation) if HIWU accepts that the positive test was more likely than not the result of unintentional transfer or contamination,” wrote a Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit spokesperson.

NEW HISA/HIWU STEWARDS RULINGS

The following rulings were reported on HISA's “rulings” portal and through the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit's (HIWU) “pending” and “resolved” cases portals.

Resolved ADMC Violations

Date: 08/16/2023

Licensee: Robert Leaf Jr., trainer

Penalty: Disqualification of 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. Final decision by internal adjudication panel.

Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone–Controlled Medications (Class C)–in a sample taken from Laddie Dance, who won at Delaware Park on 8/16/23. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Date: 11/29/2023

Licensee: Lacey Gaudet, trainer

Penalty: A fine of $3,000; imposition of 3 Penalty Points. Final decision by HIWU.

Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314—Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method–on the horse, Graceful Union. This was also a possible violation of Rule 4222–Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.

Date: 11/14/2023

Licensee: Robert Lucas, trainer

Penalty: A fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision by HIWU.

Explainer: For the presence of Dexamethasone–Controlled Medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from Shake N Fries. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Date: 10/21/2023

Licensee: Webster Gayle, trainer

Penalty: Disqualification of 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. Final decision by HIWU.

Explainer: For the presence of Dexamethasone—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Tankinator, who finished sixth at Delaware Park on 10/21/23. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Pending ADMC Violations

Date: 12/08/2023

Licensee: Kevin Martin, 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, Strings. This was also a possible violation of Rule 4222—Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.

Date: 12/06/2023

Licensee: Patricio Venzor (listed on Equibase as owner, listed on the HISA portal as trainer)

Penalty: Pending

Alleged violation: Medication violation

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

Date: 12/03/2023

Licensee: Angel Sanchez-Pinero, trainer

Penalty: Pending

Alleged violation: Medication violation

Explainer: For the presence of Glycopyrrolate—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Le Vin, who finished second at Laurel Park on 12/3/23. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Date: 11/25/2023

Licensee: Jesus Romero, trainer

Penalty: Pending

Alleged violation: Medication violation

Explainer: For the presence of Diclofenac–Controlled Medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from Blake B, who won at Aqueduct on 11/25/23. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312–Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Date: 12/01/2023

Licensee: Steve Miyadi, trainer

Penalty: Pending

Alleged violation: Medication violation

Explainer: For the presence of Dimethylsulfoxide—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Dorie Miller, who won at Golden Gate on 12/1/23. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Date: 11/25/2023

Licensee: Jaime Ness, trainer

Penalty: Pending

Alleged violation: Medication violation

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

Date: 11/21/2023

Licensee: David Meridyth, trainer

Penalty: Pending

Alleged violation: Medication violation

Explainer: For the presence of Omeprazole—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Wild Firewater, who won at Zia Park on 11/21/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Date: 11/17/2023

Licensee: Amador Sanchez, trainer

Penalty: Pending

Alleged violation: Medication violation

Explainer: For the presence of Dexamethasone—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Soy Una Dama, who won at Gulfstream Park on 11/17/23. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Date: 10/07/2023

Licensee: Jimmy Corrigan, trainer

Penalty: Provisionally suspended

Alleged Violation: Medication violation

Explainer: For the presence of Methamphetamine—a banned substance—in a sample taken from Stay Lost, who won at Belterra Park on 10/7/23. This was a possible violation of Rule 3212—Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.

Violations of Crop Rule

One important note: HISA's whip use limit is restricted to six strikes during a race.

Golden Gate Fields

Jose Carlos Montalvo–violation date Dec 26; $250 fine, one-day suspension

Santa Anita

Edwin Maldonado–violation date Dec 26; $250 fine, one-day suspension, one strike over the limit

Jose Verenzuela–violation date Dec 31; $500 fine, one-day suspension, five strikes over the limit

OTHER KEY RULINGS

The TDN also 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.

California

Track: Santa Anita

Date: 12/30/2023

Licensee: Umberto Rispoli, jockey

Penalty: Four-day suspension

Violation: Careless riding

Explainer: Jockey Umberto Rispoli, who rode Mo Fox Given in the fifth race at Santa Anita Park on December 29, 2023, is suspended for FOUR (4) racing days (January 6, 7, 12 and 13, 2024) for failure to make the proper effort to maintain a straight course in the stretch, causing interference; a violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1699 (Riding Rules-careless riding–second offense in the last sixty (60) days).

The post Weekly Stewards And Commissions Rulings Dec. 26–Jan. 1 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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Now 15 months later, that unraced Gio Ponti filly, Beautyatitsbest, has not only weaned her colt to health, but has overcome medical issues of her own. She returned to training earlier this year, and her owner and co-breeder, Jack Willoughby, Jr., likes the filly's chances in her long-awaited debut in Saturday's opener at Belterra, a $7,500 maiden-claimer.

The racing prospects for her yearling colt, however, are still up in the air.

“He's doing good. He's turned out with the other yearlings from his crop at my farm,” Willoughby told TDN. “He looks like he's going to be big enough to run. But I don't think he'll be able to race. I don't know who his daddy was, that's the thing.”

Without a foal certificate from The Jockey Club, the baby out of Beautyatitsbest lacks both racing credentials and an official name.

Willoughby and his wife, Rachel, who run Stonetown Stables, a boarding, breaking, lay-up, and broodmare service farm on 70 acres in Stamping Ground, Kentucky, have taken to calling the colt “Mystery” while trying to figure out what his future holds.

Unexpected backstretch stall births are not at all common. But maybe once a decade or two anecdotal news of one will pop up at some American track. When the story about Beautyatitsbest and her foal was first reported last year, Reed told The Paulick Report the filly had shown no signs of pregnancy other than she wouldn't shed weight.

Although Beautyatitsbest had been at both Reed's Mercury Equine Center in Lexington at age two and under his Belterra shed row at three, at one point she had returned to Willoughby's farm to recover from bucked shins. Reed told the Paulick Report last year that he believed she got in foal at Stonetown when turned out in a paddock with some male juveniles who had been recently gelded but could have been still carrying sperm before their castrations took full effect.

Willoughby, though, told TDN on Wednesday he's not quite sure that's how it happened.

“I don't think she got in-foal at my farm,” Willoughby said. “I think it happened at Mercury. They had her for about 11 to 12 months. And she was never with any stallion here. So what I'm thinking is, the first 30 days he had her turned out at the farm there, and I'm thinking they put them together thinking the others were geldings, and they weren't.”

TDN asked Shannon Luce, the communications director for The Jockey Club, what rules or guidance the registry might have for an “unknown sire” situation. Luce responded with the following emailed explanation and an offer to help:

“If the colt born at Belterra Park meets all requirements of registration of the Principal Rules and Requirements of The American Stud Book, he is eligible for registration with The Jockey Club.

“In order for the colt to be issued a Certificate of Foal Registration, the correct sire of the foal would have to be determined and the DNA sample pulled from the colt would have to qualify with the sire. To the extent possible, the registry office would help the owner determine the sire,” Luce wrote.

Willoughby said he isn't sure right now if he'll pursue the DNA testing option for Mystery.

Mystery | Jack Willoughby

As for Beautyatitsbest, Willoughby said she “was kind of shell-shocked” in the aftermath of her unexpected delivery–which matched the mood of her caretakers.

“I wasn't sure she was going to make it back. She had a lot of problems. She had a lot of circulation problems and things like that, but she's come through all of it now and she's doing great. She weaned and got to be turned out for about four or five months, just to 'be a horse', before she went back into training,” Willoughby said.

That training, though, hasn't been with Reed. Willoughby changed conditioners for his small racing stable earlier this year, moving from a Derby-winning trainer with 40 years of industry experience to Robert Lee Clark, who has a 6-for-86 lifetime record dating to 2014. Willoughby cited cost as a factor in making the switch.

“I had to go where I could get more bang for my buck,” Willoughby said. “So I've got five or six in training now versus two.”

Clark has had a respectable Belterra meet so far this summer with limited stock, posting a 2-2-1 record from seven starts.

The Willoughbys are an endangered species on a Thoroughbred landscape that once was flush with smaller-scale, family-run farms. They have a broodmare band of five, maybe sell one foal a year at auction, and race the rest of each year's crop wherever the horses fit in. Over the past 30 years, the economics of the bloodstock and racing industries have been brutal on those types of operations. With foal crops declining, farm costs rising, and racetracks closing, it's harder than ever for these sorts of outfits to earn profits on their investments.

“It's tough,” Willoughby acknowledged. “You know, I'm a working man. I have to go out and go get it on every day. I'm self-employed. Run my own businesses. We run a farm, a machine shop, and we do our own horses and everything, too. So we're kind of a special story on all of it, really.”

Beautyatitsbest is dual-entered at Belterra in two versions of the same maiden-claiming condition on Aug. 26 (at a mile) and Aug. 29 (six furlongs). She drew the rail for both races, but the route lured only three other entrants, so that's where Willoughby intends to start her.

“I'll be honest with you: We expect her to win Saturday,” Willoughby said. “She's sitting on a big one. She's doesn't show any excitement. She acts real professional. She's a tiny horse and she's not real big, but she's got a lot of heart.”

The post ‘Beauty’ To Debut, But Colt She Unexpectedly Foaled At Belterra Remains ‘Mystery’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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Here's a primer on how each of these jurisdictions adjudicates different offenses, what they make public (or not) and where.

The TDN will also post a roundup of the relevant Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) related rulings from the same week. These will include decisions from around the country.

California
Track: Del Mar
Date: 08/17/2023
Licensee: Tiago Pereira, jockey
Penalty: Three-day suspension
Violation: Careless riding
Explainer: Jockey Tiago Pereira, who rode Legislator in the eighth race at Del Mar Race Track on August 13, 2023, is suspended for 3 racing days (August 24, 25 and 26, 2023) for altering course without sufficient clearance in the stretch, causing interference resulting in the disqualification of his mount from first to sixth; a violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1699 (Riding Rules – careless riding).

New York
Track: Saratoga
Date: 08/19/2023
Licensee: Jose Lezcano, jockey
Penalty: Three-day suspension
Violation: Careless riding
Explainer: Jockey Mr. Jose Lezcano having waived his right to an appeal is hereby suspended three (3) NYRA racing days August 23rd 2023, through August 25th 2023 inclusive. This for careless riding during the running of the 9th race at Saratoga Racecourse on August 17th 2023.

Track: Saratoga
Date: 08/20/2023
Licensee: Rafael Bejarano, jockey
Penalty: Three-day suspension
Violation: Careless riding
Explainer: Jockey Mr. Rafael Bejarano having waived his right to an appeal is hereby suspended three (3) NYRA racing days August 26th 2023, August 27th 2023, August 30th 2023 inclusive. This for careless riding during the running of the 9th race at Saratoga Racecourse on August 19th 2023. See the story here.

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
Belterra Park
Jose Lopez – violation date Aug 16; $250 fine, no other records

Delaware Park
Augusto Ali Marin – violation date Aug 16; $250 fine, no other records
Carol Dyann Cedeno – violation date Aug 17; $250 fine, no other records

Horseshoe Indianapolis
Hannah Leahey – violation date Aug 15; $250 fine, no other records
Santo Sanjur – violation date Aug 16; $250 fine, no other records
Emmanuel Esquivel – violation date Aug 19; $250 fine, no other records

Presque Isle Downs
Jose Lucio Riquelme  – violation date Aug 15; $250 fine, no other records
Wilfredo Martinez – violation date Aug 15; $250 fine, no other records
Gary John Wales – violation date Aug 15; $250 fine, no other records
Heman Kumar Harkie – violation date Aug 17; $250 fine, no other records

Pending ADMC Violations
Date: 07/31/2023
Licensee: Steve Asmussen, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged Violation: Intra-articular injection
Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314—Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method—on the horse, Bramito. This is also a possible violation of Rule 4222–Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout

Date: 07/21/2023
Licensee: Kenneth Cox, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone—Controlled Medications (Class C)—in a sample taken from Not as Lucky as Us, who won at Colonial Downs on 7/21/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.

Date: 07/20/2023
Licensee: Arnoud Dobber, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged Violation: Medication violatio
Explainer: For the presence of Acepromazine—Controlled Medications (Class B)—in a sample taken from Coyote Runner. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.

Date: 07/19/2023
Licensee: David Reid, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone—Controlled Medications (Class C)—in a sample taken from Grand Hideaway, who won at Hawthorne on 7/19/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.

Date: 07/17/2023
Licensee: Troy Smith, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone—Controlled Medications (Class C)—in a sample taken from Rattleme, who won at Finger Lakes on 7/17/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.

Date: 07/13/2023
Licensee: Christophe Clement, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Dantrolene—Controlled Medications (Class C)—in a sample taken from My Royal Vow. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.

Date: 07/07/2023
Licensee: Candice Cryderman, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Methocarbamol—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Dontforgetthesuga, who finished third at Emerald Downs on 7/7/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.

Date: 07/07/2023
Licensee: Lynn Rarick, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Methocarbamol—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Calzone, who finished third at Canterbury Downs on 6/20/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.

Licensee: Peter Miller, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged Violation: Three medication violations
Explainer: For the presence of Acepromazine—Controlled Medication (Class B)—in samples taken from Forgiving Spirit, who finished second at Santa Anita on 6/11/23; from Anmer Hall, who won at Santa Anita on 6/4/23; and from Giver Not a Taker, who finished fourth at Santa Anita on 6/4/23. These are possible violations of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.

Resolved ADMC Violations
Date: 07/18/2023
Licensee: Roberto Lopez, trainer
Penalty: 7-day period of Ineligibility beginning on August 16, 2023; Disqualification of 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.
Alleged Violation: For the presence of Lidocaine—Controlled Medication (Class B)—in a sample taken from Hardly Working, who finished sixth at Finger Lakes on 7/18/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.

The post Weekly Stewards And Commissions Rulings, Aug. 15-21 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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The win was especially rewarding since his mount was trained by his close friend and the track's leading trainer, Larry Smith.

“To have him set that milestone on one of my runners just makes it all that much better,” said Smith.

After the veteran jockey left the winner's circle, he went to the jockeys quarters to change his silks for the next race.

The post Jockey Perry Ouzts Moves Into Fifth All-Time appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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Romero's penalty was first reported Friday afternoon by the Paulick Report.

On Thursday, Belterra steward Ron Herbstreit declined an opportunity to comment to TDN about the matter. A Friday morning email TDN sent to Ohio State Racing Commission executive director Christopher Dragone requesting a copy of the ruling remained unanswered at the time of deadline for this story.

“After considering all testimony and evidence during this hearing, the Board of Stewards determined that Jockey Gregory Romero misjudged the finish line and failed to persevere through the wire which cost his mount a position,” stated the ruling published by the Paulick Report. “Therefore, Jockey Gregory Romero is fined $1,000 and suspended 30 days. This penalty will be reduced to $500 and suspended 15 days, if not appealed.”

The Paulick Report stated that Romero waived his right to appeal, meaning he'll end up serving his reduced days Aug, 9-23.

Romero attained the lead aboard Scooteranddabigman (Mor Spirit) in deep stretch of the fourth race at Belterra Aug. 2, a five-furlong, NW2L $12,500 claiming turf sprint. He encouraged his mount with right-handed stick work into the final sixteenth of a mile, then lowered his whip alongside his right leg while keeping his left hand on the reins. With Hillbilly Logic (Elusive Quality) closing fast to the outside under John McKee, Romero twice glanced to his right but did not urge his mount to counter the move.

Romero has been riding since 2016 with a 32-for-297 career win record. This season he's 3-for-29, and Wednesday's mount was his first opportunity to ride since July 15.

The post Jockey Romero Gets 30 Days, Fined $1,000; Penalty Halved for Not Appealing appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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Reached by phone just prior to the start of Thursday's races, the three Belterra stewards–Ron  Herbstreit, Vincent Clark, and Raina Paucar–told TDN in a speaker phone call that they would not discuss what was said at that hearing or if a penalty was in the pipeline.

“We have investigated and there was a hearing for the jockey. But as of right now, we have no comment,” said Herbstreit. “If you want to call the jockey, he might tell you something. But right now, we're not, okay?”

TDN could not find a working phone number for Romero to get his side of the story, nor would the Belterra stewards disclose the jockey's contact information. The stewards said Romero is not represented by an agent.

Asked if a ruling had been issued against Romero, Herbstreit said, “Not yet. That's why there's no comment right now.”

After stalking in second for most of the race, Romero attainted the lead in deep stretch of the five-furlong, NW2L $12,500 claiming turf sprint aboard Scooteranddabigman (Mor Spirit). He encouraged his mount with right-handed stick work into the final sixteenth of a mile, but then lowered his whip alongside his right leg while keeping his left hand on the reins.

Hillbilly Logic (Elusive Quality) was closing fast to the outside while under a drive by jockey John McKee, and Romero twice glanced to his right to see the oncoming rival without taking assertive action to counter the favorite's late move.

The Equibase chart explained Scooteranddabigman's second-place finish this way: “had a rail trip chasing pace to stretch, angled out to the lead, stayed on in the late going but nailed on the wire with mild perseverance in the final four strides.”

Romero has been riding since 2016 with a 32-for-297 career win record. This season he's won three races from 29 mounts.

The post Jockey Romero Asked To Explain Actions In Controversial Belterra Finish appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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Acting upon the recommendation of the Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission (DTRC) veterinarians, the entire July 29 live racing card will be transferred to Friday, Aug. 4. The national weather service has predicted temperatures in the 90s with a heat index of value approaching the mid-100s. Live racing is scheduled to resume on Wednesday, August 2nd. First race post time is 12:30 p.m. E.T.

Elsewhere out of an abundance of caution, Woodbine Racetrack outside of Toronto cancelled its Thursday and Friday slate. The Mid-Atlantic heat caused Laurel Park to move its Friday card, while Ellis Park in Kentucky will shift its Friday and Saturday programs to Monday and Tuesday of next week. Belterra Park in Cincinnati, Ohio also scratched its Friday racing and Colonial Downs, which announced it was cancelling its Friday card Wednesday, additionally postponed its Saturday card.

The post Delaware Joins Growing List Of Track Cancellations Due To Heat appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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Here's a primer on how each of these jurisdictions adjudicates different offenses, what they make public (or not) and where.

The TDN will also post a roundup of the relevant Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) related rulings from the same week. These will include decisions from around the country.

New York
Track: Belmont Park
Date: 06/27/2023
Licensee: Manuel Franco, jockey
Penalty: Three-day suspension
Violation: Careless riding
Explainer: For having waived his right to an appeal Jockey Mr. Manuel Franco is hereby suspended (3) NYRA racing days July 7th 2023, July 8th 2023, July 9th 2023 inclusive. This for careless riding during the running of the second race at Belmont Park on June 22nd 2023.

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
Belterra Park
William Vernon Bush – violation date June 29; $500 fine and one-day suspension, 13 strikes

Los Alamitos
Tiago Pereira – violation date June 25; $250 fine and one-day suspension, 7 strikes
Abel Cedillo – violation date July 1; $250 fine and one-day suspension, 7 strikes
Erick Garcia – violation date July 1; $250 fine and one-day suspension, 7 strikes
Cesar Ortega – violation date July 2; $250 fine and one-day suspension, 7 strikes
Edgar Payeras – violation date July 2; $250 fine and one-day suspension, 7 strikes

Pending ADMC Violations
Date: 06/09/2023
Licensee: Douglas Nunn, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged violation: Intra-articular Injection violation
Explainer: For the use of an intra-articular injection on Smithwick's Spice, who won at Delaware Park on 6/9/23, within 14 days prior to Post-Time. This is a possible violation of Rule 3313—Use of a Controlled Medication Method in relation to a Covered Horse during the Race Period. This is also a possible violation of Rule 4222—Intra-articular Injection within 14 days prior to Post-Time.

Date: 06/04/2023
Licensee: McLean Robertson, trainer
Penalty: Provisional suspension
Alleged violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Altrenogest—a banned substance—in a sample taken from Johnny Up, who won at Canterbury Park on 6/4/23. 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: 06/01/2023
Licensee: Jonathon Wong, trainer
Penalty: Provisional suspension
Alleged violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Metformin—a banned substance—in a sample taken from Heaven and Earth, who won at Horseshoe Indianapolis on 6/1/23. 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: 05/28/2023
Licensee: Ricardo Legall, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged violation: Medication violations
Explainer: For the presence of Levamisole—Controlled Medication (Class B)—in a sample taken from Merchants of Cool, who finished fifth at Belmont Park on 5/28/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.
For the presence of Dimethylsulfoxide—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Merchants of Cool, who finished fifth at Belmont Park on 5/28/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.

Date: 05/28/2023
Licensee: Ray Handal, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Zeranol—a banned substance—in a sample taken from Barrage, who finished second at Belmont Park on 5/28/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212—Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers. Pursuant to ADMC Program Rule 3247(e), HIWU has lifted the Provisional Suspension based upon information submitted by the Covered Person and the review of relevant scientific information. The Equine Anti-Doping Notice has not been withdrawn.
Read more on the story here.

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