Weekly Stewards and Commissions Rulings, Mar. 15-21

Every week, the TDN posts a roundup of the relevant Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA)-related rulings from around the country.

Among this week's rulings, an independent arbitration panel suspended trainer Jason DaCosta for 15 days (starting on Mar. 22) and fined him $1,000 after his trainee, Poker Partner, tested positive for Gabapentin when winning at Presque Isle Downs on July 18 last year.

Gabapentin is a class B controlled medication under HISA that is an FDA human-approved anticonvulsant used to treat conditions like epilepsy, postherpetic neuralgia and in the treatment of partial onset seizures.

Trainer Carla Morgan has also been suspended for seven days and fined $1,000 after her trainee, River City Rocker, tested positive for the presence of the sedative, Xylazine, for a vet's list workout on Jan. 2 this year.

 

NEW HISA/HIWU STEWARDS RULINGS

The following rulings were reported on HISA's “rulings” portal and through the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit's (HIWU) “pending” and “resolved” cases portals.

 

Resolved ADMC Violations

Resolution Date: 03/14/2024

Licensee: Leon Minott, trainer

Penalty: A fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission.

Alleged violation: Vet's list medication violation

Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Slender Slipper on 2/3/24. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Resolution Date: 03/15/2024

Licensee: Carla Morgan, trainer

Penalty: 7-day period of Ineligibility, beginning on March 16, 2024; a fine of $1,000; imposition of 2 Penalty Points. Admission.

Alleged violation: Vet's list medication violation

Explainer: For the presence of Xylazine-Controlled Medication (Class B)-in a sample taken from River City Rocker on 1/2/24. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Resolution Date: 03/15/2024

Licensee: Jose D'Angelo, trainer

Penalty: A written reprimand

Alleged violation: Vets' list medication violation

Explainer: For the presence of Omeprazole and Cimetidine-both Controlled Medications (Class C)-in a sample taken from Sun Azteca on 2/14/24. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Resolution Date: 03/18/2024

Licensee: Isidro Tamayo, trainer

Penalty: A fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision by HIWU.

Alleged violation: Vet's list medication violation

Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Silent Beauty on 1/28/24. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Resolution Date: 03/18/2024

Licensee: Jose Jimenez, trainer

Penalty: A fine of $3,000; imposition of 3 Penalty Points. Admission.

Alleged violation: Pre-workout joint injection violation

Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314-Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method-on the horse, Just Katherine. This was also a possible violation of Rule 4222-Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.

Resolution Date: 03/19/2024

Licensee: John Shirreffs, trainer

Penalty: A written reprimand.

Alleged violation: Vet's list medication violation

Explainer: For the presence of Omeprazole (ulcer paste)-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Sully on 2/12/24. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Resolution Date: 03/20/2024

Licensee: Alejandro Gomez, trainer

Penalty: A fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points.

Alleged violation: Vet's list medication violation

Explainer: For the presence of Flunixin-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Tamanrassett on 1/25/24. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Resolution Date: 03/21/2024

Licensee: Jason DaCosta, trainer

Penalty: A period of Ineligibility of fifteen (15) days, starting March 22, 2024; 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 $1,000; imposition of 2 Penalty Points. Final decision by independent arbitration panel.

Explainer: For the presence of Gabapentin-Controlled Medications (Class B)-in a sample taken from Poker Partner, who won at Presque Isle Downs on 7/18/23. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Pending ADMC Violations

Date: 02/10/2024

Licensee: Jonathan Maldonado, trainer

Penalty: Pending

Alleged violation: Medication violation

Explainer: For the presence of Capsaicin-Controlled Medication (Class B)-in a sample taken from Kapadokya, who won at Laurel Park on 02/10/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Date: 03/02/2024

Licensee: Sally Rivera, trainer

Penalty: Pending

Alleged violation: Vet's list medication violation

Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Stormy Joe on 3/2/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Date: 02/20/2024

Licensee: Elliott Sullivan, trainer

Penalty: Pending

Alleged violation: Pre-workout joint injection violation

Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314-Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method-on the horse, My d'Valentine. This was also a possible violation of Rule 4222-Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.

Date: 02/29/2024

Licensee: Riley Tucker Mott, trainer

Penalty: Pending

Alleged violation: Pre-workout joint injection violation

Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314-Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method-on the horse, Brian. This was also a possible violation of Rule 4222-Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.

Date: 03/01/2024

Licensee: Philip Serpe, trainer

Penalty: Pending

Alleged violation: Pre-workout joint injection violation

Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314-Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method-on the horse, Itsallcomingtogetha. This was also a possible violation of Rule 4222-Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.

Date: 02/20/2024

Licensee: Randy Preston, trainer

Penalty: Pending

Alleged violation: Medication violation

Explainer: For the presence of Flunixin-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Sharp Life, who finished fourth at Mahoning Valley on 02/20/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Date: 02/28/2024

Licensee: Patricia Farro, trainer

Penalty: Provisionally suspended

Alleged violation: Medication violation

Explainer: For the presence of Cobalt Salts (eg CoCl2)-a banned substance-in a sample taken from Knockout Win, who won at Parx Racing on 2/28/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212-Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List Workout).

Date: 02/19/2024

Licensee: Michelle Nevin, trainer

Penalty: Pending

Alleged violation: Vet's list medication violation

Explainer: For the presence of Betamethasone-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Everlys Girl on 02/19/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Date: 02/21/2024

Licensee: Michael Simone, trainer

Penalty: Pending

Alleged violation: Vet's list medication violation

Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from The Bearrish One on 02/21/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Date: 02/25/2024

Licensee: Adan Farias, trainer

Penalty: Pending

Alleged violation: Vet's list medication violation

Explainer: For the presence of Dexamethasone-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Misty Rain on 02/25/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Date: 01/19/2024

Licensee: Blaine Wright, trainer

Penalty: Pending

Alleged violation: Vet's list medication violation

Explainer: For the presence of Betamethasone-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Wodeton, who won at Golden Gate on 01/19/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Date: 02/18/2024

Licensee: Arnold Torres, trainer

Penalty: Pending

Alleged violation: Vet's list medication violation

Explainer: For the presence of Methocarbamol-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Its Thievery on 02/18/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

 

Violations of Crop Rule

One important note: HISA's whip use limit is restricted to six strikes during a race.

Oaklawn Park

Ramsey Howard Zimmerman – violation date March 15; $250 fine and one-day suspension

 

OTHER KEY RULINGS

The TDN also 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: 03/16/2024

Licensee: Robert Henie, owner

Penalty: Restoration of good standing

Violation: N/A

Explainer: Owner Robert Henie, having satisfied a financial complaint filed by Linda Madsen (aka Milky Way Farm) for $6,450.00, is restored to good standing and California Horse Racing Board LATS Ruling #42 dated March 8, 2024, is set aside.

Track: Santa Anita

Date: 03/16/2024

Licensee: Gary Hartunian, owner/Peter Miller, trainer

Penalty: Payment of fees, surrender of ownership percentage

Violation: Financial responsibility

Explainer: Following a formal hearing held at Santa Anita Park on March 7, 2024, pursuant to California Horse Racing Board rule #1876 (Financial Responsibility – farm, training and hauling fees), it is ordered that Owner Gary Hartunian (dba Rockingham Ranch) pay Owner/Trainer Peter Miller the amount of $128.50 by April 1, 2024, whereby Peter Miller must surrender his 25% ownership of “Chasing Conquest” or pay $7,371.50 for farm, training and hauling fees to M Gary Hartunian by April 7, 2024, to retain 25% ownership. Failure to do so will result in the suspension of all licenses held by Gary Hartunian and/or Peter Miller.

Track: Santa Anita

Date: 03/17/2024

Licensee: Steve Knapp, owner-trainer

Penalty: 15-day suspension, $1,000 fine

Violation: Training soundness examination violation

Explainer: Owner/Trainer Steve Knapp, who trained Truest of True on January 18, 2024, at Santa Anita Park, is suspended for 15 days (April 1, 2024, thru April 15, 2024) and fined $1,000 for violation of California Horse Racing Board rules #1846.3 (Veterinary and Training Records for Horses Requiring Training Soundness Examination) and #1846.2 (Training Soundness Examination – no ninety-day examination).

Track: Santa Anita

Date: 03/17/2024

Licensee: Steve Knapp, owner-trainer

Penalty: $500 fine

Violation: Training soundness examination violation

Explainer: Trainer Steve Knapp, who trained Nickle Nickle Nine on September 21, 2023, at Santa Anita Park, is fined $500 for violation of California Horse Racing Board rules #1846.3 (Veterinary and Training Records for Horses Requiring Training Soundness Examination) and #1846.2 (Training Soundness Examination – no ninety-day examination).

Track: Santa Anita

Date: 03/17/2024

Licensee: Tiago Pereira, jockey

Penalty: Three-day suspension

Violation: Careless riding

Explainer: Jockey Tiago Pereira, who rode Sketchy in the seventh race at Santa Anita Park on March 16, 2024, is suspended for 3 racing days (March 24, 29 and 30, 2024) for failure to maintain a straight course in the stretch and causing interference; a violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1699 (Riding Rules – careless riding).

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