Weekly Stewards And Commissions Rulings, Aug. 15-21

Every week, the TDN 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.

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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Jockey Perry Ouzts Moves Into Fifth All-Time

Perry Ouzts, 69, passed jockey Dave Gall with win number 7,397 after the seventh race at Belterra Park on Tuesday to become racing's fifth all-time leading rider, John Engelhardt reported.

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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Jockey Romero Gets 30 Days, Fined $1,000; Penalty Halved for Not Appealing

Jockey Gregory Romero reportedly has been suspended 30 days and fined $1,000 by the Belterra Park stewards two days after he eased up on a 9-1 mount that led in the shadow of the wire but ended up getting beaten by a neck by a more assertively ridden favorite.

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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Jockey Romero Asked To Explain Actions In Controversial Belterra Finish

The stewards at Belterra Park have asked jockey Gregory Romero to explain why he appeared to not persevere with his mount while on the lead in the final few jumps before the finish of Wednesday's fourth race there, which led to that 9-1 horse getting beaten by a neck by the hard-charging 6-5 favorite.

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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