Trainer and exercise rider Orlando Noda plans to fight the $5,000 fine and 90-day suspension meted by New York regulators for alleged mistreatment of a horse during training hours at the 2021 Saratoga meet, Daily Racing Form reports.
Noda's attorney, Drew Mollica, received a stay and temporary restraining order from a New York Supreme Court judge in Schenectady that allows him to continue training until his case is heard.
Regulators with the New York State Gaming Commission had also ordered Noda complete an anger management course as a condition for license reinstatement.
On Aug. 15, 2021, state steward Braulio Baeza Jr. issued a notice of violation to Noda for actions detrimental to the best interests of racing for excessively striking a Win With Pride while working the then-7-year-old Distorted Humor gelding out of Grade 1 winner Love and Pride, by A.P. Indy, at Saratoga on Aug. 5, 2021. Baeza imposed a $5,000 fine, but Noda requested a hearing, staying collection of the fine.
A hearing was conducted on Feb. 16, 2022, and March 28, 2022 and included witness testimony. The hearing officer submitted a report to the Commission's Secretary dated November 1, 2022, recommending that the Commission dismiss the charges.
The commission voted unanimously to reject the hearing officer's report and recommendations, instead issuing Noda a $5,000 fine and 90-day license suspension.
A court date in the case is set for Jan. 18, but the case is not expected to be heard at that time, the Form reports.
To read the full story at drf.com, click here.
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