jeffrey englehart | Horse Racing Free Tips

Weekly Stewards and Commissions Rulings: July 25 – 31

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: 07/27/2023

Licensee: Ed Carroll, owner

Penalty: Restoration of financial good standing

Violation: N/A

Explainer: Owner Ed Carroll (DBA: Carroll Boys Racing) having satisfied a financial complaint filed by Veterinarian Melinda Blue for $491.76, is restored to good standing and California Horse Racing Board ruling LATS Ruling #03 dated March 3, 2023, is set aside.

Track: Del Mar

Date: 07/27/2023

Licensee: Thomas Varney Reeve, owner

Penalty: Suspended license

Violation: Failure to appear for steward's hearing

Explainer: Owner Thomas Varney Reeve lll, having failed to respond to written notice to appear before the Board of Stewards at Del Mar Race Track on July 26, 2023, is suspended for violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1547 (Failure to Appear), pending an appearance at a hearing before the Board of Stewards to answer to charges alleging violation of CHRB rule #1876 (Financial Responsibility $486.34 to Veterinarian Melinda Blue). Suspension to commence August 3, 2023.

Track: Del Mar

Date: 07/29/2023

Licensee: Juan Hernandez, jockey

Penalty: Three-day suspension

Violation: Careless riding

Explainer: Jockey Juan Hernandez, who rode Wide West (IRE) in the seventh race at Del Mar Race Track on July 28, 2023, is suspended for 3 racing days (August 5, 6, and 10, 2023) for altering course without sufficient clearance in the stretch, causing interference resulting in the disqualification of his mount from sixth to seventh; a violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1699 (Riding Rules – careless riding).

NEW YORK

Track: Saratoga

Date: 07/28/2023

Licensee: Jeffrey Englehart, trainer

Penalty: Fourteen-day suspension and $2,000 fine

Violation: Medication violation

Explainer: Mr. Jeffrey Englehart as responsible trainer under 9 NYCRR , 4043.4 (a) , violated Commission rules in that Mr. Jeffrey Englehart trained horse ” Victory Built” , that finished 2nd in the 2nd race at Aqueduct racetrack on March 11th 2023, and having received a report from the New York State Drug Testing and Research Program that a race-day blood sample taken from horse “Victory Built” had the substance Phenlybutazone present at a concentration, including an assement of the measurement uncertainty and imprecision of the quantitative threshold, in excess of 0.3 mcg/ml in plasma in violation of 9 NYCRR 4043.3 (a) (26). Having waived your right to an appeal trainer Mr. Jeffrey Englehart is hereby suspended 14 Calendar days August 3rd 2023 through August 16th 2023 inclusive and fined the sum of two thousand ($2,000) dollars.

Furthermore, horse “Victory Built” is disqualified from any part of the purse and the stewards order the purse redistributed as follows:

# (6) Gandy Dancing
# (2) Bronx Bomber
# (3) Doin'ittherrightway
# (1) Uno
# (5) Double Shot

Track: Saratoga

Date: 07/30/2023

Licensee: Irad Ortiz, jockey

Penalty: Three-day suspension

Violation: Careless riding

Explainer: For having waived his right to an appeal Jockey Mr. Irad Ortiz Jr is hereby suspended three (3) NYRA racing days August 9th 2023, through August 11th 2023 inclusive. This for careless riding during the running of the 7th race at Saratoga racecourse on July 27th 2023.

Track: Saratoga

Date: 07/30/2023

Licensee: Jose Ortiz, jockey

Penalty: Three-day suspension

Violation: Careless riding

Explainer: For having waived his right to an appeal Jockey Mr. Jose Ortiz is hereby suspended three (3) NYRA racing days August 9th 2023, through August 11th 2023 inclusive. This for careless riding during the running of the 10th race at Saratoga racecourse on July 26th 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

Canterbury Park

Harry Hernandez – violation date July 26; $250 fine and one-day suspension, 7 strikes

Colonial Downs

Jorge Ruiz – violation date July 27; $250 fine and one-day suspension, “excessive use of the riding crop”

Saratoga

Jose Ortiz – violation date July 26; $522.50 fine, 7 strikes

Jaime Alexis Torres – violation date July 27; $250 fine and one-day suspension, 7 strikes

Pending ADMC Violations

Date: 07/20/2023

Licensee: Natalia Lynch, trainer

Penalty: Provisionally suspended

Alleged Violation: Medication violation

Explainer: For the possible presence or possession of Levothyroxine, a banned substance. This is a possible violation of Rule 3214 (a)—Presence of a Banned Substance or a Banned Method.

Date: 07/01/2023

Licensee: Nestor Cascallares, trainer

Penalty: Pending

Alleged Violation: Medication violation

Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Irazu, who won at Tampa Bay on 7/1/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance.

Date: 06/02/2023

Licensee: Bernard Dunham, trainer

Penalty: Pending

Alleged Violation: Medication violation

Explainer: For the presence of Albuterol—Controlled Medication (Class B)—in a sample taken from Afandi, who finished second at Pimlico on 6/2/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance.

Date: 05/29/2023

Licensee: John Pimental, trainer

Penalty: Provisionally suspended

Alleged Violation: Medication violation

Explainer: For the presence of Methamphetamine—a banned substance—in a sample taken from Golovkin, who finished sixth at Monmouth Park on 5/29/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212—Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.

Resolved ADMC Violations

Date: 05/31/2023

Licensee: James Acquilano, 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.

Alleged Violation: For the presence of Methocarbamol—Controlled Medication (Class C)— in a sample taken from Sabreen, who finished second at Finger Lakes on 5/31/23. This is a violation of Rule 3312–Presence of Controlled Medication Substance.

The post Weekly Stewards and Commissions Rulings: July 25 – 31 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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Weekly Rulings: June 14-June 20

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: 06/17/2022
Licensee: Rolf Gustafsson, owner/assistant
Penalty: N/A
Violation: Restoration of good standing
Explainer: Owner/Asst. Trainer Rolf Gustafsson, having complied with the provisions of California Horse Racing Board rule #1876 (Financial Responsibility – $2,380.00 to Trainer Jorge Periban) is restored to good standing. LATS #175 ruling issued at Santa Anita Park on May 27, 2017, is set aside.

Track: Santa Anita
Date: 06/18/2022
Licensee: Ruben Alvarado, trainer
Penalty: $400
Violation: Late registration of Lasix
Explainer: Trainer Ruben Alvarado is fined $400 for violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1845 (Authorized Bleeder Medication – late registration) of Apprehend in the eighth race on June 17, 2022, at Santa Anita Park.

Track: Santa Anita
Date: 06/18/2022
Licensee: Juan Hernandez, jockey
Penalty: $500
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: Jockey Juan Hernandez is fined $500.00 for violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1688(b)(8)(d) (Use of Riding Crop – more than six times) during the eighth race at Santa Anita Park on June 17, 2022.

Track: Santa Anita
Date: 06/18/2022
Licensee: Ryan Curatolo, jockey
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: Jockey Ryan Curatolo is fined $500.00 for violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1688(b)(8)(d) (Use of Riding Crop – more than six times) during the eighth race at Santa Anita Park on June 17, 2022.

Track: Santa Anita
Date: 06/19/2022
Licensee: John Byrd, veterinarian
Penalty: $400 fine
Violation: Failure to submit Lasix documentation
Explainer: Veterinarian John Byrd is fined $400 for violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1845 (Authorized Bleeder Medication – Failed to submit Lasix Documentation to the Receiving Barn) of Classic Rewind in the fifth race on June 18, 2022, at Santa Anita Park.

NEW YORK
Track: Belmont Park
Date: 06/16/2022
Licensee: Rodolfo Rodriguez, jockey agent
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: failure to tend to business in a professional manner
Explainer: Agent Mr. Rodolfo Rodriguez is hereby fined the sum of five hundred ($500.00) dollars for failing to tend to business in a professional manner.

Track: Belmont Park
Date: 06/16/2022
Licensee: George Weaver, owner-trainer
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: Unreported shockwave treatment
Explainer: Mr. George Weaver is hereby fined the sum of five hundred ($500.00) dollars for failing to report a shockwave treatment.

Track: Belmont Park
Date: 06/17/2022
Licensee: Jeffrey Englehart, trainer
Penalty: Ten-day suspension, $1,000 fine
Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: Having received a report from the NYS Gaming Commission Equine Drug Testing Laboratory of the finding of Phenylbutazone in the post-race sample taken from Horse “Profusion” (#6) which raced in the 4th race and finished 6th on April 8th 2022. Trainer of record Mr. Jeffrey Englehart having been notified of the post race positive and having waived his right to appeal is hereby fined the sum of one thousand ($1,000) dollars and suspended ten Calendar days effective Wednesday June 22nd, through Friday July 1st 2022, inclusive.

Furthermore, the Stewards order horse “Profusion” disqualified from any part of the purse and the purse redistributed as follows:

(#5) Casalsa
(#1) Truebelieve
(#3) Brockmoninoff
(#4) Conformist
(#7) Exxtop

Ordered that during your period of suspension, you shall not directly or indirectly participate in New York State pari-mutuel horse racing. You are denied the privilages and use of the grounds of all racetracks, you are forbidden to participate in any share of purses or other payment. Every horse is denied the privilages of the grounds and shall not participate in pari-mutuel racing in New York State, that (a) is owned or trained by you, or by any individuals who serves as your agent or employee during your suspension: or (b) for which you during your suspension are directly or indirectly with training, including any arrangements to care for, train, enter, race, invoice, collect fees or other payments, manage funds, employ or insure workers, provide advise or other information or otherwise assist with any aspect of the training of such horses.

Track: Belmont Park
Date: 06/18/2022
Licensee: Luis Saez, jockey
Penalty: $1,500 fine
Violation: Failure to conduct business in a proper manner
Explainer: Mr. Luis Saez is hereby fined the sum of one thousand five hundred ($1,500) dollars for failing to conduct business in a proper manner.

KENTUCKY
Most of the following rulings were not posted on the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission website in time for inclusion over the past few weeks.

Track: Churchill Downs
Date: 05/22/2022
Licensee: Colby Hernandez, jockey
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: After waiving his right to a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Colby Hernandez, who rode Reigning Spirit in the eleventh race at Churchill Downs on May 21, 2022 was found to have violated the crop regulation (2nd offense). Colby Hernandez is hereby fined $500 for his improper use of the crop by exceeding the allowable use in the overhand manner.

Track: Churchill Downs
strong>Date: 05/22/2022
Licensee: Joseph Rocco Jr., jockey
Penalty: $1,000 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: After waiving his right to a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Joseph Rocco Jr., who rode On the Rise in the seventh race at Churchill Downs on May 21, 2022 was found to have violated the crop regulation (4th offense). Joseph Rocco Jr. is hereby fined $1,000 for his improper use of the crop by exceeding the allowable use in the overhand manner.

Track: Churchill Downs
Date: 05/22/2022
Licensee: Corey Lanerie, jockey
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: After a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Corey Lanerie, who rode Bama Breeze in the eleventh race at Churchill Downs on May 21, 2022 was found to have violated the crop regulation. This being his first offense, Mr. Lanerie was given the option and chose to pay a fine. Corey Lanerie is hereby fined $500 for his improper use of the crop by exceeding the allowable use in the overhand manner.

Track: Churchill Downs
Date: 05/26/2022
Licensee: Santo Sanjur, jockey
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: After a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Santo Sanjur, who rode Cloud Without Reim in the fourth race at Churchill Downs on May 22, 2022 was found to have violated the crop regulation. This being his first offense, Mr. Sanjur was given the option and chose to pay a fine. Santo Sanjur is hereby fined $500 for his improper use of the crop by exceeding the allowable use in the overhand manner.

Track: Churchill Downs
Date: 05/26/2022
Licensee: Chris Landeros, jockey
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: After waiving his right to a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Chris Landeros, who rode Kunshan Bridge in the ninth race at Churchill Downs on May 22, 2022 was found to have violated the crop regulation (2nd offense). Chris Landeros is hereby fined $500 for his improper use of the crop by exceeding the allowable use in the overhand manner.

Track: Churchill Downs
Date: 05/26/2022
Licensee: Joe Talamo, jockey
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: After waiving his right to a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Joe Talamo, who rode Tango Charlie in the seventh race at Churchill Downs on May 22, 2022 was found to have violated the crop regulation (3rd offense). Joe Talamo is hereby fined $500 for his improper use of the crop by exceeding the allowable use in the overhand manner.

Track: Churchill Downs
Date: 05/28/2022
Licensee: Tyler Gaffalione, jockey
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: After waiving his right to a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Tyler Gaffalione, who rode Towhead in the third race at Churchill Downs on May 26, 2022 was found to have violated the crop regulation (2nd offense). Tyler Gaffalione is hereby fined $500 for his improper use of the crop by exceeding the allowable use in the overhand manner.

Track: Churchill Downs
Date: 05/28/2022
Licensee: Tiago Pereira, jockey
Penalty: Three-day suspension
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: After a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Tiago Pereira, who rode champagne Sister in the fourth race at Churchill Downs on May 26, 2022 was found to have violated the crop regulation. This being his first offense, Mr. Pereira was given the option and chose to serve a suspension. Tiago Pereira is hereby suspended 3 racing days, May 30, June 2 and June 3, 2022 for his improper use of the crop by exceeding the allowable use in the overhand manner.

Track: Churchill Downs
Date: 06/02/2022
Licensee: Tyler Gaffalione, jockey
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: After waiving his right to a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Tyler Gaffalione, who rode Gate Runner in the fourth race at Churchill Downs on May 30, 2022 was found to have violated the crop regulation (3rd offense). Tyler Gaffalione is hereby fined $500 for his improper use of the crop by exceeding the allowable use in the overhand manner.

Track: Churchill Downs
Date: 06/02/2022
Licensee: Mario Rodriguez, exercise rider
Penalty: Revoked license
Violation: Falsified license application
Explainer: The license of Mario Rodriguez is hereby revoked by the Board of Stewards. Mr. Rodriguez falsified his license application, failing to reveal his current suspension in Delaware, in addition to other disciplinary actions in Arkansas.

Track: Churchill Downs
Date: 06/04/2022
Licensee: Martin Garcia, jockey
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: After waiving his right to a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Martin Garcia, who rode Heartyconstitution in the eighth race at Churchill Downs on June 3, 2022 was found to have violated the crop regulation (2nd offense). Martin Garcia is hereby fined $500 for his improper use of the crop by exceeding the allowable use in the overhand manner.

Track: Churchill Downs
Date: 06/04/2022
Licensee: Reyluis Gutierrez, jockey
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: After a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Reyluis Gutierrez, who rode Teewinot Pass in the second race at Churchill Downs on June 3, 2022 was found to have violated the crop regulation (2nd offense). Reyluis Gutierrez is hereby fined $500 for his improper use of the crop by exceeding the allowable use in the overhand manner.

Track: Churchill Downs
Date: 06/04/2022
Licensee: Rene Diaz, jockey
Penalty: $1,000 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: After waiving his right to a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Rene Diaz who rode Ferryboat in the second race at Churchill Downs on June 3, 2022 was found to have violated the crop regulation (4th offense). Rene Diaz is hereby fined $1,000 for his improper use of the crop by exceeding the allowable use in the overhand manner.

Track: Churchill Downs
Date: 06/05/2022
Licensee: Francisco Arrieta, jockey
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: After failing to appear at a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Francisco Arrieta, who rode She's All Wolfe in the seventh race at Churchill Downs on June 4, 2022 was found to have violated the crop regulation. This being his first offense, Mr. Arrieta was given the option and chose to pay a fine. Francisco Arrieta is hereby fined $500 for his improper use of the crop by exceeding the allowable use in the overhand manner.

Track: Churchill Downs
Date: 06/05/2022
Licensee: Luis Saez, jockey
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: After waiving his right to a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Luis Saez, who rode Pauline's Pearl in the seventh race at Churchill Downs on June 4, 2022 was found to have violated the crop regulation. This being his first offense, Mr. Saez was given the option and chose to pay a fine. Luis Saez is hereby fined $500 for his improper use of the crop by exceeding the allowable use in the overhand manner.

Track: Churchill Downs
Date: 06/05/2022
Licensee: John Velazquez, jockey
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: After a hearing before the Board of Stewards, John Velazquez, who rode Admission Office in the eighth race at Churchill Downs on June 4, 2022 was found to have violated the crop regulation. This being his first offense, Mr. Velazquez was given the option and chose to pay a fine. John Velazquez is hereby fined $500 for his improper use of the crop by exceeding the allowable use in the overhand manner.

Track: Churchill Downs
Date: 06/08/2022
Licensee: Ricardo Santana, Jr. jockey
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: After a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Ricardo Santana, Jr., who rode Dalika in the ninth race at Churchill Downs on June 5, 2022 was found to have violated the crop regulation. Ricardo Santana, Jr. is hereby fined $500 for his improper use of the crop by exceeding the allowable use in the overhand manner.

Track: Churchill Downs
Date: 06/08/2022
Licensee: Nick Bush, owner-exercise rider
Penalty: Suspended license
Violation: Disorderly conduct
Explainer: Nick N. Bush is hereby suspended pending his appearance before the Board of Stewards for his falsification of license application, alleged disorderly conduct, and his formal ejection from Keeneland that occurred on May 27, 2022. During his suspension Mr. Bush is denied the privileges of all facilities under the jurisdiction of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.

Track: Churchill Downs
Date: 06/10/2022
Licensee: Jack Gilligan, jockey
Penalty: Three-day suspension
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: After a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Jack Gilligan, who rode Waywardness in the eighth race at Churchill Downs on June 8, 2022 was found to have violated the crop regulation (3rd offense). Jack Gilligan is hereby suspended 3 racing days, June 15 through June 17, 2022 (inclusive) for his improper use of the crop by exceeding the allowable use in the overhand manner.

Track: Churchill Downs
Date: 06/10/2022
Licensee: Carlos Villasana, jockey
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: After waiving his right to a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Carlos Villasana, who rode North Bay in the sixth race at Churchill Downs on June 8, 2022 was found to have violated the crop regulation. This being his first offense, Mr. Villasana was given the option and chose to pay a fine. Carlos Villasana is hereby fined $500 for his improper use of the crop by exceeding the allowable use in the overhand manner.

Track: Churchill Downs
Date: 06/11/2022
Licensee: Adam Beschizza, jockey
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: After a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Adam Beschizza, who rode What A Country in the fourth race at Churchill Downs on June 10, 2022 was found to have violated the crop regulation. This being his first offense, Mr. Beschizza was given the option and chose to pay a fine. Adam Beschizza is hereby fined $500 for his improper use of the crop by exceeding the allowable use in the overhand manner.

Track: Churchill Downs
Date: 06/11/2022
Licensee: Jose Santos Jr., jockey agent
Penalty: $200 fine
Violation: Failure to honor call
Explainer: After waiving his right to a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Jose Santos Jr. is hereby fined $200 for failure to honor the call on Lock Up in the eleventh race at Churchill Downs on June 11, 2022.

Track: Churchill Downs
Date: 06/11/2022
Licensee: Rene Diaz, jockey
Penalty: Three-day suspension
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: After a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Rene Diaz, who rode Amani's Eagle in the fourth race at Churchill Downs on May 10, 2022 was found to have violated the crop regulation (5th offense). Rene Diaz is hereby suspended 3 racing days, June 17 through June 19, 2022 (inclusive) for his improper use of the crop by exceeding the allowable use in the overhand manner.

Track: Churchill Downs
Date: 06/16/2022
Licensee: Rafael Mojica, jockey
Penalty: Three-day suspension
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: After waiving his right to a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Rafael Mojica, who rode Tequilas Ranger in the seventh race at Churchill Downs on June 12, 2022 was found to have violated the crop regulation. This being his first offense, Mr. Mojica was given the option and chose to serve a suspension. Rafael Mojica is hereby suspended 3 racing days, June 24 through June 26, 2022 (inclusive) for his improper use of the crop by exceeding the allowable use in the overhand manner.

Track: Churchill Downs
Date: 06/19/2022
Licensee: Agustin Gomez, jockey
Penalty: Three-day suspension
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: After a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Agustin Gomez, who rode Dot Marie in the fourth race at Churchill Downs on June 17, 2022 was found to have violated the crop regulation. This being his first offense, Mr. Gomez was given the option and chose to serve a suspension. Agustin Gomez is hereby suspended 3 racing days, June 24 through June 26, 2022 (inclusive) for his improper use of the crop by exceeding the allowable use in the overhand manner.

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Horsemen Come Together To Save Lives Amid Fire At Belmont Park

A heroic effort from horsemen, the Elmont Fire Department and New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) security personnel saved the lives of 58 horses following a quick response to Tuesday's active fire in Barn 60 at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y.

Barn 60's alarm and sprinkler system immediately notified NYRA's security personnel at Gate 6 at the onset of the fire. NYRA security notified the Elmont Fire Department, who were on the scene within minutes to extinguish the fire and secure the scene. The New York State Fire Marshal and officials from Nassau County are investigating the cause of the fire, which was not immediately apparent.

A team of horsemen rendered immediate assistance in conjunction with NYRA security to the horses stabled in Barn 60, which holds stalls for horses trained by Wayne Potts and Jeffrey Englehart.

Two Potts trainees, American Sailor and Beastie D, succumbed in the fire. Three workers were treated onsite for minor issues.

“We are appreciative of the timely response of our security team, the Elmont Fire Department and the brave assistance of horsemen from the New York racing community who helped in the effort to safely evacuate horses,” said Glen Kozak, NYRA Senior Vice President for Operations and Capital Projects. “We at NYRA offer our condolences to the connections of the two horses that died in this unfortunate accident. NYRA is continuing to work with the New York State Fire Marshal.”

New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, who visited the Belmont Park vaccination site on Wednesday morning, lauded the efforts of the racing community who risked their lives to safely evacuate horses.

“Due to really extraordinary efforts by first responders, the fire department, and staff here at NYRA, 58 horses were saved. Two horses perished but they did a really outstanding job,” said Cuomo.

Trainer Robert Falcone, Jr, who has stalls in Barn 39, was among the first responders on Tuesday evening. He said he was on his way to the track kitchen where he had parked his truck when he saw smoke coming from Barn 60.

“I knew something wasn't right, so I ran back to our barn and yelled to my team to grab shanks and halters and hurry up,” said Falcone, Jr.

Falcone, Jr. led a cavalry that included Madilyn Kerker, Alex Rivera, Ever Florian, and Scott Mills.

He also took the briefest of moments to send a message out on Facebook, “We need all hands on deck at Belmont barn on fire if you are at belmont come to barn 60 now !!”

Falcone, Jr. said at that time of the evening, most horsemen are at home.

“I thought I'd post it and that someone from the backside is bound to see it and once one person sees it, they'll start calling people,” said Falcone, Jr. “It all happened very quick.”

Falcone, Jr. said many horsemen arrived at Barn 60 to assist.

“Pablo Fragoso, a jockey, was there; 'A-Rod' from the gate crew was there; trainers Talie Lynch, Ray Handal and Brad Cox's assistant Dustin Dugas all came to help,” said Falcone. Jr. “The outrider Miguel [Gutierrez], blacksmith Troy Lynch and so many others were there.”

Falcone, Jr. said the brave group of horsemen navigated through smoky conditions inside Barn 60 to evacuate the horses working in tandem with Potts' stable workers.

“It was really smoky in there,” he said. “We were trying to get through a shed row full of smoke and get into stalls of horses and you can't see into the stalls. At the same time, there were horses without halters running down the shed row that you can't see. As you're running in and out, as soon as someone yells, 'loose horse,' you have to get against the wall because you don't know where he's coming from.

“As soon as we took the horses out, someone would take them from us and get them to a safe spot,” he continued. “Then we would go back in and get more and come back out again. We started using the cross bar [stall guard] when we ran out of shanks to run back in and keep getting them out.”

A chain of horsemen and security personnel worked together to safely evacuate the horses from smoky conditions and eventually bedded down in other barns across the Belmont backstretch.

“Dustin had 21 empty stalls on his side, so we started counting up horses and sending them over,” said Falcone, Jr. “It was pretty quick how fast we organized everything in that time frame and in those circumstances.”

Falcone, Jr said he and his staff didn't think twice about rushing in to assist their fellow horsemen.

“There's not many of us making a great living doing this. We do it for the horses and even when they're not horses in your barn, when something happens everyone bands together so quickly,” said Falcone. Jr. “It's not even a thought process, it's just somebody needs help and go. We're all here for one reason and it's because we love the horses.

“When something tragic happens, you always wonder if you could have done more,” he added. “But to be honest, I'm not sure we could have reacted much faster than that. We were hauling ass.”

Although it was an incredible team effort on the part of so many on the scene, Falcone, Jr. did express regret that they were unable to save the Raj Jagnanan-owned American Sailor, a 9-year-old son of City Zip with 15 wins and more than $500,000 in purse earnings; and Beastie D, an unraced 3-year-old owned by Dan Eubanks.

“I feel so bad for the horses that died. I was in the stall with Wayne for American Sailor,” said Falcone. Jr. “Wayne was standing next to me and the horse was somewhere in the stall and you couldn't even see each other. We were trying to get the horse out but it was impossible to see and communicate. We just had to get out of there. You can only stay in there for so long in all that before you're going to pass out. I feel so bad we couldn't get him out.”

Trainer Mertkan Kantarmaci, who has horses stalled in Barn 46 at Belmont, was one of the many to see Falcone Jr.'s Facebook post and spring into action. The conditioner immediately called his foreman, Sergio Hernandez.

“I saw Robert's post on Facebook and I called my foreman immediately. He was in the dorm by my barn and I asked him to go by,” said Kantarmaci. “He called back and told me there were loose horses and I immediately started driving to Belmont.”

During Kantarmaci's 25-minute drive to Belmont, a number of first responders were already onsite and affecting care.

“By the time I got to Belmont there were fire trucks and police and NYRA security all over the place,” said Kantarmaci. “I went to see Barn 60 first and to see if they needed help with loose horses. There were almost 200 people there to help. I'm very happy they were able to help all the horses in that big barn with 60 horses.”

Kantarmaci, who also shared the call for help on his Twitter account, stayed at Belmont late into the evening to offer his assistance and spend time with his staff and horses.

“I stayed longer last night and spoke to a few trainers who were out spotting horses,” said Kantarmaci. “It's all hands on deck when there's an emergency at the track. You have to go for the horse.”

Potts took to Facebook late Tuesday to issue a statement expressing his deep regret at the loss of two horses and his appreciation for the efforts of all who arrived to offer their assistance.

“I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who assisted in removing my horses from the fire this evening,” he said. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart to every single one of you that put yourselves at risk to make sure 58 horses are able to see another day. The actions of so many this evening proved that this industry is a family with a fierce love of the horse that triumphs over anything else.”

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Barn Fire At Belmont Claims The Lives Of Two Horses

Two horses are dead after a barn fire at Barn 60 at Belmont Park on Tuesday evening. According to the New York Racing Association (NYRA), security responded to reports of a barn fire at 6:05 p.m. and was assisted by backstretch employees in the removal of 58 horses stabled there with trainers Wayne Potts and Jeffrey Englehart.

The Elmont Fire Department responded, and witnesses said the fire was extinguished quickly. The cause of the blaze is still under investigation by the New York State Fire Marshal and Nassau County officials.

The horses killed by the fire were both trained by Potts. Their identities were not released NYRA, which was still in the process of notifying connections as of Tuesday evening.

Surviving horses from both trainers were scattered around the Belmont backstretch, housed temporarily in barns that had extra space. Trainer Raymond Handal, who bases out of Barn 41, said he saw a social media post from fellow trainer Robert Falcone Jr. who sounded the alarm about an active blaze. He immediately called Falcone.

“He said that they need help and he just hung up the phone,” Handal said. “It was like something out of a movie. It was horrible.”

Handal and his assistant grabbed lead shanks and ran to Barn 60, but found the fire was already contained and most horses were en route to temporary stabling. Handal began helping bed down stalls in Brad Cox's barn, where he estimated 20 horses are being housed. Several horses did run loose for a period of time, Handal said, but as far as he was aware all were captured without injury.

“Everybody from the racetrack came there,” he said. “Every assistant and trainer you can think of was there moving hay, water buckets and straw.

“It's so scary. When I heard it was Barn 60, it's just across the tunnel from me, and it really puts things into perspective.”

Handal was especially grateful the fire was handled so quickly since there are neighboring barns located very close on either side which could have become endangered also.

Sources say the horses in Barn 60 had been checked at evening feed time, just over an hour earlier, and all had been well in the barn.

No humans were injured in the fire.

“The tragic loss of both horses will be deeply felt by the hard working women and men of the New York racing community, who dedicate themselves to the sport and to the care of these equine athletes,” said Dave O'Rourke, NYRA President & CEO. “That collective dedication and sense of community was on display this evening, when the heroic and selfless response of so many prevented further loss and saved the lives of dozens of horses.”

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