2023 George Woolf Award Finalists Announced

Jockeys Daniel Cedeno, Javier Castellano, Terry Houghton, Edwin Maldonado, and Willie Martinez have been named by Santa Anita Park as finalists for the 2023 George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award. Determined by a vote of their fellow riders nationwide, the Woolf Award can only be won once in a lifetime. It has been presented annually by Santa Anita since 1950. All of the finalists, except Castellano, are appearing on the ballot for the first time.

The Woolf Award was named in honor of the late George Woolf, known as “The Iceman,” who passed away due to a racing accident at Santa Anita in 1946. The first recipient of the award was Gordon Glisson in 1950, while Joe Bravo was the 73rd recipient this past year. The Woolf Award trophy is a replica of the life-sized statue which adorns Santa Anita's Paddock Gardens area.

The 2023 Woolf Award winner will be announced in February.

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Weekly Rulings: Mar. 1 -7

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.

CALIFORNIA

Track: Santa Anita
Date: 03/04/2022
Licensee: Kent Desormeaux, jockey
Penalty: Suspension
Violation: Non-appearance for hearing
Explainer: Jockey Kent Desormeaux, having failed to respond to written notice to appear before the Board of Stewards at Santa Anita Park on or before March 3, 2022, is suspended for violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1547 (Failure to Appear) pending an appearance at a hearing before a Board of Stewards to answer to charges alleging violation of CHRB rule #1874 (Disorderly Conduct- Causing a disturbance) and #1485(d)(License Subject to Conditions and Agreement – Failure to abide by an agreement with the Winners Foundation). During the term of this suspension, all licenses and license privileges of Kent Desormeaux are suspended and pursuant to California Horse Racing Board rule #1528 (Jurisdiction of Stewards), subject is denied access to all premises in this jurisdiction.

Track: Santa Anita
Date: 03/04/2022
Licensee: Drayden Van Dyke, jockey
Penalty: Three-day suspension
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: Jockey Drayden Van Dyke, who rode Loma Vista in the fourth race at Santa Anita Park on February 27, 2022, is suspended for THREE (3) racing days (March 11, 12 and 13, 2022) for violation of California Horse Racing Board Rule 1688(b)(4)(d) (Use of Riding crop – Excessive use – third offense within the past sixty days).

Track: Santa Anita
Date: 03/05/2022
Licensee: Mark Glatt, trainer
Penalty: $500 and assessed ½ point
Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: Trainer Mark Glatt, who started the horse Beer Can Man, that finished second in the sixth race at Santa Anita Park on January 1, 2022, is fined $500.00 and assessed one half (1/2) point in accordance with California Horse Racing Board rule #1843.4 (Multiple Medication Violations – Expires 01/1/23) pursuant to rule #1887 (Trainer or Owner to Insure Condition of Horse) for violation of rule #1843(a)(b)(d) (Medication, Drugs and Other Substances), and rule #1843.1(a) (Prohibited Drug Substance – Dexamethasone [Class 4/C]).

Track: Santa Anita
Date: 03/06/2022
Licensee: Edwin Maldonado, jockey
Penalty: Three-day suspension
Violation: Using whip in overhand position
Explainer: Jockey Edwin Maldonado, who rode See Through It in the first race at Santa Anita Park on March 5, 2022, is suspended for THREE (3) racing days, (March 13, 18 and 19, 2022) for violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1688(d)(3) (Use of Riding Crop – in the overhanded position  – first offense in the last sixty days). Pursuant to California Horse Racing Board rule #1766 (Designated Races), the term of suspension shall not prohibit participation in designated races.

Track: Santa Anita
Date: 03/06/2022
Licensee: Victor Espinoza, jockey
Penalty: $1,500 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: Jockey Victor Espinoza is fined $1500.00 for violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1688(b)(8)(d) (Use of Riding Crop – more than six times – second offense in the last sixty days) during the eleventh race (Santa Anita Handicap) at Santa Anita Park on March 5, 2022.

Track: Santa Anita
Date: 03/06/2022
Licensee: Ricardo Ramirez, jockey
Penalty: Three-day suspension
Violation: Careless riding
Explainer: Apprentice Jockey Ricardo Ramirez, who rode Mylittlerunaway in the third race at Santa Anita Park on March 5, 2022, is suspended for three (3) racing days (March 13, 18 and 19, 2022) for failure to make the proper effort to maintain a straight course in the stretch, causing interference which resulted in the disqualification of his mount from third to seventh place. This constitutes a violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1699 (Riding Rules–Careless Riding). Pursuant to California Horse Racing Board rule #1766 (Designated Races), the term of suspension shall not prohibit participation in designated races.

Track: Santa Anita
Date: 03/06/2022
Licensee: Brice Blanc, jockey
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: Jockey Brice Blanc is fined $500.00 for violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1688(b)(8) (Use of Riding Crop – more than six times) during the seventh race at Santa Anita Park on March 5, 2022.

Track: Santa Anita
Date: 03/06/2022
Licensee: Jamie Spencer, jockey
Penalty: Five-day suspension
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: Jockey Jamie Spencer, who rode Space Traveller in the 10th race (Frank E. Kilroe Mile) at Santa Anita Park on March 5, 2022, is suspended for FIVE (5) racing days (March 13, 18, 19, 20 and 25, 2022) for violation of California Horse Racing Board Rule 1688(b)(4)(d)(2) (Use of Riding crop – excessive use). Pursuant to California Horse Racing Board Rule #1766 (Designated Races), the term of suspension shall not prohibit participation in designated races.

Track: Santa Anita
Date: 03/06/2022
Licensee: Ricardo Gonzalez, jockey
Penalty: $1,500 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: Jockey Ricardo Gonzalez is fined $1500.00 for violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1688(b)(8)(d) (Use of Riding Crop – more than six times) during the fifth race (Buena Vista Stakes) at Santa Anita Park on March 5, 2022.

Track: Santa Anita
Date: 03/07/2022
Licensee: Paula Capestro, trainer
Penalty: $400 fine
Violation: Late registration of Lasix
Explainer: Trainer Paula Capestro is fined $400.00 for violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1845 (Authorized Bleeder Medication – late registration) of Prince Maior in the third race on March 6, 2022, at Santa Anita Park.

Track: Santa Anita
Date: 03/07/2022
Licensee: Ryan Curatolo, jockey
Penalty: $750 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: Jockey Ryan Curatolo is fined $750.00 for violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1688(b)(8)(d) (Use of Riding Crop – more than six times – second offense within the past sixty days) during the first race at Santa Anita Park on March 6, 2022.

KENTUCKY

Track: Turfway Park (for a violation at Churchill Downs)
Date: 02/26/2022
Licensee: James Baker, trainer
Penalty: Thirty-day suspension (15 days stayed) and $500 fine
Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: Upon receipt of notification from Industrial Laboratories, the official testing laboratory fol. the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and confirmed at Texas A & M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, sample number E490742 taken from Fed Money, who finished flrst in the tenth race at Churchill Downs on November 4, 2021 contained Metformin in blood (class 8). After a formal hearing before the Board of Stewards James E. Baker is hereby suspended THIRTY (30) days and fined $500. Due to mitigating circumstances (number of violations in relation to overall record), 15 days are to be served from March 1, 2022 through March 15, 2022 (inclusive). The remaining 15 days are stayed on the condition that no Class A or Class 8 medication violation occurs in any racing jurisdiction within 365 days from the date of this ruling. Fed Money is disqualified and all purse money forfeited. Pari-mutuel wagering is not affected by this ruling. During his suspension Mr. Baker is denied the privileges of all facilities under the jurisdiction of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. Entry of all horses owned or trained by Mr. Baker is denied pending transfer to persons acceptable to the stewards. Upon receipt of this ruling. it is required within thirty (30) days to pay any and all fines imposed to the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.

NEW YORK

Track: Aqueduct
Date: 03/06/2022
Licensee: Suzanne Zelman, trainer
Penalty: $500
Violation: Failure of business conduct, necessitating scratch
Explainer: Fined the sum of five hundred $500 for failing to tend to business in a proper manner necessitating a scratch in the 6th race at Aqueduct Racetrack Mar. 5th 2022.

 

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Weekly Stewards & Commissions Rulings: Feb. 1-7

Weekly Stewards and Commissions Rulings, Feb. 1 – Feb. 7

   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.

California

Track: Santa Anita
Date: 02/06/2022
Licensee: Edwin Maldonado, jockey
Penalty: $750
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: Jockey Edwin Maldonado is fined $750.00 for violation of California Horse
Racing Board rule #1688(b)(8) (Use of Riding Crop–more than six times–second offense within the past 60 days) during the fourth race at Santa Anita Park on Feb. 5, 2022.

Track: Santa Anita
Date: 02/06/2022
Licensee: Tyler Baze, jockey
Penalty: $1,000
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: Jockey Tyler Baze is fined $1,000.00 for violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1688(b)(8) (Use of Riding Crop–more than six times–third offense within the past 60 days) during the seventh race at Santa Anita Park on Feb. 5, 2022.

Track: Santa Anita
Date: 02/06/2022
Licensee: Drayden Van Dyke, jockey
Penalty: Three-day suspension
Violation: Careless riding
Explainer: Jockey Drayden Van Dyke, who rode Disco Ball in the third race at Santa Anita Park on Feb. 5, 2022, is suspended for three racing days (Feb. 13, 18 and 19, 2022) for failure to make the proper effort to maintain a straight course in the stretch, causing interference which resulted in the disqualification of his mount from first to second. This constitutes a violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1699 (Riding Rules–Careless Riding). Pursuant to California Horse Racing Board rule #1766 (Designated Races), the term of suspension shall not prohibit participation in designated races.

Florida

The following rulings were reported on the ARCI's “Recent Rulings” webpage. All but one of the rulings, however, show “no penalty” for the medication violations. According to a spokesperson for the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, the rulings that indicate “no penalty” are from samples collected prior to May 20, 2021, when the Division adopted new testing procedures on the back of litigation.
“As a result of litigation, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering developed and adopted new administrative rules regarding testing methodologies, measurement uncertainties, and screening limits for racehorses. These new requirements have been in effect since May 20, 2021,” the spokesperson wrote.
“Cases involving samples collected prior to that date were resolved pursuant to negotiated agreements between the Division and trainers. Relying on these new requirements, the
Division continues to help protect the safety and welfare of racehorses and the integrity of the races themselves,” the spokesperson added.

Track: Gulfstream Park
Date: 01/31/2022
Licensee: Oscar Gonzalez, trainer
Penalty: $500 fine and 15-day suspension
Violation: Medication/drug violation
Explainer: Consent Order – 2021-053658 – F.S. 550.2415 – violation = clenbuterol. $500 fine 15-day suspension (dates to be determined). “SPECIAL MEISTER”
Track: Gulfstream Park
Date: 02/03/2022
Licensee: Benny Cadahia, trainer
Penalty: N/A
Violation: Medication/drug violation
Explainer: Stipulation and Consent Order – Case #2021-003167 – F.S. 550.2415 – violation = ALBUTEROL. NO PENALTY “ULTRACONFIDENT”
The following were displayed on the ARCI's “recent rulings” webpage but have subsequently been removed. The TDN, however, confirmed their veracity with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

Track: Gulfstream Park
Date: 01/31/2022
Licensee: Peter Walder, trainer
Penalty: N/A
Violation: Medication/drug violation
Explainer: Consent Order Case #2021-003148 – F.S. -550.2415 – Violation = Clenbuterol. NO PENALTY “RESIDENT”
Track: Gulfstream Park
Date: 01/31/2022
Licensee: Peter Walder, trainer
Penalty: N/A
Violation: Medication/drug violation
Explainer: Consent Order Case #2021-013088 – F.S. 550.2415 – violation = Clenbuterol. NO PENALTY “HAPPY CHAMP”
Track: Gulfstream Park
Date: 01/31/2022
Licensee: Peter Walder, trainer
Penalty: N/A
Violation: Medication/drug violation
Explainer: Consent Order – Case #2020-03789 – F.S. 550.2415 – violation = clenbuterol. NO PENALTY. “CREA'S BKLYN LAW”

 

Track: Gulfstream Park
Date: 01/31/2022
Licensee: Darien Rodriguez, trainer
Penalty: N/A
Violation: Medication/drug violation
Explainer: Consent order – Case #2019-012095 – F.S. 550.2415 – violation = methocarbamol. NO PENALTY. “GENERAL PADDY”

 

Track: Gulfstream Park
Date: 01/31/2022
Licensee: Ricko Maragh, trainer
Penalty: N/A
Violation: Medication/drug violation
Explainer: Consent Order Case #2019-002516 – F.S. – 550.2415 – NO PENALTY. “VINNIE VAN GO”
Track: Gulfstream Park
Date: 01/31/2022
Licensee: Anthony Quartarolo, trainer
Penalty: N/A
Violation: Medication/drug violation
Explainer: Consent Order – Case #2019-015584 – F.S. 550.2415 – violation = dexamethasone. NO PENALTY. “MISS HEART”
Track: Gulfstream Park
Date: 01/31/2022
Licensee: Amador Sanchez, trainer
Penalty: N/A
Violation: Medication/drug violation
Explainer: Consent Order – Case #2020-022161 – F.S. 550.2415 – violation = methocarbamol. NO PENALTY “MI TRES POR CIENTO”

 

Track: Gulfstream Park
Date: 01/31/2022
Licensee: Amador Sanchez, trainer
Penalty: N/A
Violation: Medication/drug violation
Explainer: Consent Order – Case #2020-054352 – F.S. 550.2415 – violation = clenbuterol. NO PENALTY “AYCAPOTE”

Track: Gulfstream Park
Date: 01/31/2022
Licensee: Amador Sanchez, trainer
Penalty: N/A
Violation: Medication/drug violation
Explainer: Consent Order – Case #2021-005604 – F.S. 550.2415 – violation = methocarbamol. NO PENALTY “DIAMONDS ENJOY”
Track: Gulfstream Park
Date: 01/31/2022
Licensee: Amador Sanchez, trainer
Penalty: N/A
Violation: Medication/drug violation
Explainer: Consent Order – Case #2021-016608 – F.S. 550.2415 – violation = flunixin, phenylbutazone. NO PENALTY “COLTONSTHEADMIRAL”

Track: Gulfstream Park
Date: 01/31/2022
Licensee: Peter Walder, trainer
Penalty: N/A
Violation: Medication/drug violation
Explainer: Consent Order – Case #2019-027648 – F.S. 550.2415 – violation = clenbuterol. NO PENALTY “DIZZY GILLESPIE”

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Merneith Upsets Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint Winner Ce Ce In Santa Monica

The defending champ but a decided underdog, Merneith went to the front, shook off a challenge from heavily favored Ce Ce and went on to a powerful three-length win in Saturday's Grade 2, $200,000 Santa Monica Stakes under Edwin Maldonado.  Trained by Bob Baffert, the 5-year-old daughter of 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah got seven furlongs in 1:22.39 over the Santa Anita oval in Arcadia, Calif.

Fresh off a victory in the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint at Del Mar Nov. 6, Ce Ce was the overwhelming 1-2 favorite but was no match for Merneith when the real running commenced leaving the quarter pole.

“I'm very happy,” said Maldonado, who was aboard for last year's Santa Monica win and who registered his eighth win at the meet, which puts him in tie for seventh in the jockey standings.  “I just want to thank Bob for leaving me on her…It means a lot to me.

“I was just letting her do everything on her own, I didn't want to take anything away from her.  When (Ce Ce) came (to) her, she saw her and picked it up on her own.  I didn't even have to ask her.  I'm very pleased…When we turned for home, I was pretty sure she was the winner.  I didn't even ask her until she switched leads.  She's a nice filly.”

Idle since last year's Santa Monica on Feb. 13, Merneith came back to run second, beaten 1 ¾ lengths in the ungraded Kalookan Queen Stakes on Jan. 2 and was off as the 5-2 second choice today in a field of five older fillies and mares, returning $7.60, $2.80 and $2.10.

“She won this race last year and she needed her last race,” said Baffert, who now has a meet-leading six stakes wins.  “Edwin gets along with her great and it was a perfect pace for her…I've always thought highly of her. She got to prove it today, she beat a good field of fillies.  I'm so proud of her. You get attached to these fillies, especially (when they're by) American Pharoah.”

Owned by HRH Prince Sultan Bin Mishal Al Saud, Merneith, in notching her second graded stakes victory, improved her overall mark to 12-5-4-2.  With the winner's share of $120,000, she increased her earnings to $493,620.

Ce Ce, who broke well and appeared to be in perfect position while third, about 1 ½ lengths off the winner three furlongs out, appeared to draw within a neck at the top of the lane, but was unable to get on terms as Merneith seemed to find another gear.

Trained by Michael McCarthy and ridden by Victor Espinoza, Ce Ce, who according to owner/breeder Bo Hirsch, will run through her 6-year-old year, paid $2.10 and $2.10 while finishing 3 ¾ lengths in front of Kalypso.

Kalypso, who broke from the rail, checked in third, 5 ½ lengths better than Park Avenue.  Trained by Baffert and ridden by John Velazquez, Kalypso was off at 9-2 and paid $2.10 to show.

Fractions, all set by the winner, were 22.39, 45.75 and 1:09.98.

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