Tag: The Biz

Randy M. Smith, leading Quarter Horse trainer at Horseshoe Indianapolis every year since 2014, and two of his current riders – Juan Marquez and German Rodriguez – have been summarily suspended by the Indiana Horse Racing Commission.

The suspensions were confirmed by senior state steward Eric Smith, who said they are “pending completion of an investigation and a disciplinary hearing.” Smith could not comment on the reason for the suspensions.

Smith had multiple entries on Wednesday's program at Horseshoe Indianapolis, including three horses in the Bradford Stakes. All of his entries were listed as being scratched by the stewards.

Smith had a dozen runners in four Quarter Horse trial races at the Shelbyville, Ind., track on July 3, with Marquez and Rodriguez riding for Smith in each race. A third rider Smith utilized in the trials, Diego Villamil Bocanegra, has not been suspended.

Marquez, Smith's first call rider, led the 2022 jockey standings at Horseshoe Indianapolis, his 51 wins doubling his closest pursuer. He set track records in 2022 for most wins in one night (six), most stakes wins in a season (seven) and most wins (51) and money won ($1.1 million).

Rodriguez was third by races won and second by money won at Horseshoe Indianapolis in 2022, riding second call for Smith.

Smith's regular rider in 2020 and 2021, Samuel Mendez, led the standings each of those years but received a 20-year suspension in 2021 for alleged possession and use of an illegal electrical device.

Smith, the all-time leading Quarter Horse trainer in Indiana history in wins and purse earnings, shattered his own record for wins and money won in 2022, winning 76 races and more than $2.3 million. In 2022, he ranked fifth nationally in American Quarter Horse Association standings for money won and was fourth by wins.

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, which regulates Thoroughbred racing nationally with safety and anti-doping/medication control programs, is not involved in the regulation of Quarter Horse racing, which is overseen by state racing commissions.

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The Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit has lifted the provisional suspension of trainer Raymond Handal, who was told June 30 a horse in his care tested positive for the banned substance zeranol.

A notice on the HIWU website posted on Wednesday stated: “Pursuant to ADMC Program Rule 3247 (e), HIWU has lifted the provisional suspension based upon information submitted by the covered person and the review of relevant scientific information.”

The notice added, “The Equine Anti-Doping Notice has not been withdrawn.”

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority's Anti-Doping and Medication Control program Rule 3247 (e) states: “If it considers it appropriate to do so on the specific facts of the case, the Agency may lift the provisional suspension.”

HIWU is the testing and enforcement arm of HISA.

Attorney Clark Brewster, retained by Handal to represent him on the matter, said he was pleased by the reversal.

“The lab was conscientious enough to clean out the atypical finding of the zearalenone, which would be the basis of the zeranol,” Brewster said. “I've got to hand it to the lab here. We followed up, provided the literature and asked them to reconsider the suspension.”

Brewster was referring to literature showing that mycotoxins found on corn or grain can produce zearalenone. Zeranol is a metabolite of zearalenone.

Handal trainee Barrage tested positive for zeranol after finishing second in a Belmont Park allowance/optional claiming race on May 28. Zeranol is banned by HISA as an “anabolic agent.” Handal said it was “clear-cut contamination.”

Zeranol, produced under multiple brand names (Ralgro in the U.S.), is a growth-promoting nonsteroidal drug given to cattle and other livestock.

When the provisional suspension was originally announced, Handal was required to transfer his horses within 24 hours and he was unable to participate in training and racing. Patrick McKenna, vice president of communications for the New York Racing Association where Handal is based, issued the following statement on Wednesday: “With his provisional suspension lifted today by HIWU, trainer Ray Handal is once again able to fully participate in all training and racing activities at NYRA tracks.”

The post HIWU Lifts Suspension of Trainer Handal, But Zeranol Case Still Pending appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Jockey John Hiraldo has been summarily suspended by the Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission after a random drug test produced a positive result for “amphetamine,” according to a ruling posted on the Association of Racing Commissioners International website on Wednesday.

A hearing on Hiraldo's summary suspension has been scheduled for July 7, 2023.

A 21-year-old native of Puerto Rico, Hiraldo has been riding professionally since Dec. 10, 2020. He won his first career race with 33-1 long shot Flat Rate on Laurel Park's 2020 New Year's Eve program, and was an Eclipse Award finalist for Outstanding Apprentice Jockey in 2021.

Prior to his debut, Hiraldo had galloped horses for Maryland trainer Brittany Russell. His father, cousin, and uncle are also jockeys

Hiraldo has tallied 140 winners from 1,293 career starts, with earnings of $4,252,790. His eight wins at Delaware Park this year have him among the top 10 jockeys at the 2023 meeting.

The post Jockey John Hiraldo Summarily Suspended After Testing Positive For ‘Amphetamine’ appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Churchill Downs Incorporated announced Wednesday that it will donate “Against All Odds,” an inspiring bronze statue by Edwin Bogucki, to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame as part of the Museum's permanent collection.

The statue will be unveiled at its new home in Saratoga Springs, New York, on July 12.

“Against All Odds” depicts the thrilling photo finish victory of Hall of Fame horse John Henry with Hall of Fame jockey William Shoemaker in the irons as they ran down The Bart in the shadow of the wire in the running of the inaugural Arlington Million on Aug. 30, 1981, the first Thoroughbred race to boast a purse of $1 million. Under the guidance of Hall of Fame trainer Ron McAnally, John Henry captured a second Arlington Million as a 9-year-old in 1984 and was ultimately selected as Horse of the Year following both victories. The statue was originally unveiled in 1989 at Arlington International Racecourse in Arlington Heights, Illinois.

“It is a great honor to make this gift to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in memory of the late Richard Duchossois, where it will be prominently displayed and enjoyed by racing fans for many years to come,” said Bill Carstanjen, CEO of CDI. “Much like Mr. Duchossois, 'Against All Odds' represents perseverance. May it serve as an inspiration to horses and humans alike that with courage and determination, what seems impossible can be achieved.”

“We are most grateful to Bill Carstanjen and everyone at Churchill Downs Incorporated for the generous donation of the 'Against All Odds' statue to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.” said John Hendrickson, Chairman of National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. “This incredible work of art represents so many iconic elements of racing history — the inaugural Arlington Million, Hall of Famers John Henry and Bill Shoemaker, and the legacy of Richard Duchossois, a true Pillar of the Turf. We are honored to accept this wonderful addition to our collection and showcase it prominently on the Museum grounds, where it will have a forever home.”

To learn more about the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame visit https://www.racingmuseum.org/.

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