The penalty was recommended by Indiana Horse Racing Commission executive director Deena Pitman in a Nov. 17 administrative complaint into what officials said remains an “ongoing” matter.

The complaint states that Dr. Katie Naughton, a track veterinarian employed by Caesars Entertainment, recovered the device – also referred to as a machine, battery  or buzzer – from the track surface following the seventh race on Sept. 4, 2021. Michael Morris, director of security for the racing commission, was notified of the discovery and immediately began an investigation into who may have carried it.

Morris interviewed Mendez on three separate occasions, according to the complaint, with Mendez admitting during the interviews that he “possessed and used the machine on three separate occasions to train horses” at Indiana Grand and that he “possessed and used the machine during race 1 … on Sept. 4, 2021.”

According to Equibase, Mendez rode Rock Candy Almighty to victory in the first race Sept. 4 for owner-breeders Lance and Tammy Finlinson and trainer Randy Smith. The ruling recommends the $11,275 purse won by Rock Candy Almighty be redistributed. Any disqualification would not affect pari-mutuel payouts.

Mendez, who last rode on Sept. 13, was summarily suspended on Sept. 15.

Mendez rode first call for Smith the last two years, setting Indiana Grand Quarter Horse records for most wins by a jockey in both 2020 (36) and 2021 (38). Mendez won with 27% of his mounts in 2020 and 28% in 2021.

Smith is the all-time leading Quarter Horse conditioner at Indiana Grand and has been the track's leading trainer every year since 2015.

During one of his tape recorded interviews with Morris, Mendez is said to have turned over a photograph “purportedly showing the Facebook page of Felipe Becerra.” The complaint states that “Mr. Becerra is the individual that Mr. Mendez alleges manufactured and sold him the machine…”

Mendez has 20 days after the administrative complaint was filed to ask for a hearing. Additionally, Mendez had 10 days after the report's issuance on Nov. 17 to provide materials to the commission that could be considered in mitigation of the recommended penalty. In that case, Pittman may at her discretion withdraw, amend or modify the complaint and penalty.

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A ruling dated Sept. 15 said Mendez is “hereby summarily suspended for actions not in the best interest of racing and which compromise the integrity of operations at a racetrack.” The ruling said the infraction occurred on Sept. 4, when Mendez won with three of nine starts – all for trainer Randy M. Smith – including the $84,200 Bob Woodward Memorial Classic Stakes and the $108,591 QHRAI Stallion Service Auction Derby.

Multiple sources told the Paulick Report that Mendez is being investigated in connection with discovery of an illegal electrical device.

A hearing was originally scheduled for Sept. 20 but has been postponed while an investigation continues, according to Deena Pitman, executive director of the Indiana Horse Racing Commission.

Mendez, who was last seen in the saddle on Sept. 13, primarily rides for Smith, Indiana Grand's all-time leading Quarter Horse conditioner and leading the trainer standings there from 2015-'20.

Mendez won the 2020 Quarter Horse riding title.

Mendez has won with 38 of 138 mounts during the current meet. Smith has 62 wins from 287 starts, more than double his closest pursuer.

The most recent Quarter Horse jockey penalized for possession of an illegal electrical device at Indiana Grand was Juan Guerrero, who was suspended 10 years and fined $5,000 in 2015.

On Aug. 11, 2015, officials were tipped off that Guerrero would have an electrical device with metal prongs sticking out of holes cut in the palm of a glove while riding in the 10th race. After being stopped by security following the race, Guerrero ran off toward the jockeys room and was seen throwing an item toward the track's casino. The next day an electrical device was found in that area. One of Guerrero's gloves had two holes punched in it.

The horse Guerrero rode to victory in the race in question was Stone Toasted, trained by Randy M. Smith.

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