Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission Comes Out Against HISA

Citing lack of financial information outlined in its framework, the Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission (DTRC) unanimously voted Oct. 14 to oppose U.S. Senate Bill 4547, the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act. The U.S. House of Representatives passed its version (HR 1754) Sept. 29 by a voice vote. The Delaware Harness Racing Commission (DHRC) has also come out in opposition of the pending legislation, claiming the bill is an “unnecessary burden that could be potentially harmful to the entire horseracing industry.”

According to a release, the DTHC claims that unknown costs will be “detrimental” to an industry where profit margins are slim to begin with and that the addition of an extra layer of governmental oversight will fuel an increase in costs.

The DTHC also says in its release that they believe that the governing body established by HISA would not necessarily include individuals with experience in Thoroughbred racing and the control of the drugs used in the business.

The DTHC points out that while they find the standardization of rules pertaining to drug use included in the new legislation to be “laudable,” they already follow the guidelines and standard testing rules of the Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI), rules that are adhered to by U.S. racing jurisdictions that account for 90% of the handle in the country.

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Delaware Stewards Suspend Trainer Gaffney Through Remainder Of The Year For Numerous Rule Violations

Stewards in Delaware have suspended trainer Hubert Gaffney through the end of 2020 and issued a $2,500 for conduct detrimental to racing last week. The Aug. 31 ruling cites a long list of Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission rules Gaffney allegedly violated, including entering/aiding in the entry of ineligible horses, assuming responsibility for horses not in a trainer's own active care, conduct/utterance which adversely affects public confidence in racing.

According to the ruling, Gaffney's license had been granted conditionally due to a prior violation.

“Mr. Gaffney will no longer be entitled to a license at Delaware Park,” the ruling read. “Hubert Gaffney is denied access to all grounds under the jurisdiction of the Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission.”

Sarah Crane, investigator and acting executive director for the commission, indicated Gaffney is appealing the ruling and therefore the commission could provide no additional details about the source of the alleged rule violations.

As reported here on Aug. 20, Gaffney's name came up in the course of an investigation by the Maryland Jockey Club (MJC) as its officials examined the activities of Wayne Potts. MJC determined Gaffney had been serving as a program trainer for Potts at several tracks where Potts was not permitted to participate.

The complete ruling is available here.

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