Weekly Stewards And Commissions Rulings, Jan. 2-8

[Wandering Eyes]

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

Among the key rulings from the last seven days, the prohibition of intra-articular injections seven days prior to timed workouts continues to catch people out, with a further two trainers each issued $3,000 fines this past week for violations of this rule.

This brings the total rulings related to pre-workout intra-articular injection violations to 25 since HISA's anti-doping and medication control (ADMC) program went into effect last May.

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
Date: 12/23/2023
Licensee: Thomas Morley, trainer
Penalty: A fine of $3,000; imposition of 3 Penalty Points. Admission.
Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314-Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method-on the horse, missy Greer. This was also a possible violation of Rule 4222-Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.

Date: 10/30/2023
Licensee: Robert Fiesman, 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. Final decision by HIWU.
Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Little Four, who was euthanized after breaking down in a race at Mahoning Valley on 10,30/23, according to Equibase. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Date: 11/21/2023
Licensee: David Meridyth, 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 written reprimand (per 9/26/23 HISA Guidance). Admission.
Explainer: For the presence of Omeprazole-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Wild Firewater, who won at Zia Park on 11/21/23. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Date: 10/06/2023
Licensee: Luis Mendez, 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. Admission.
Explainer: For the presence of Methocarbamol-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Big Celebration, who finished third at Santa Anita on 10/6/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Date: 12/08/2023
Licensee: Victor Barboza, trainer
Penalty: A fine of $3,000; imposition of 3 Penalty Points. Final decision by HIWU.
Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314-Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method-on the horse, Long Range Toddy. This is also a possible violation of Rule 4222-Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.

Pending ADMC Violations
Date: 09/13/2023
Licensee: Daniel Robles
Penalty: Provisional suspension
Alleged violation: Banned substance possession
Explainer: This is a possible violation of Rule 3214 (a)-Possession of a Banned Substance, Levothyroxine (Thyro-L).

Date: 12/12/2023
Licensee: Alfredo Velazquez, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Lucky Flush, who finished ninth at Parx Racing on 12/12/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Date: 11/21/2023
Licensee: Jeffrey Englehart, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Clenbuterol-a banned substance-in a sample taken from Fast Heart. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212-Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.

Date: 12/08/2023
Licensee: Bernard Dunham, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the potential breach of Rule 4221-Alkalinization or use/administration of an Alkalinizing Agent (TCO2)-on Shanghai Superfly, who finished fourth at Penn National on 12/8/2023. This is also a possible violation of Rule 3313-Use of a Controlled Method During the Race Period.

Date: 12/01/2023
Licensee: Jesus Romero, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Diclofenac-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Hang Tight, who won at Aqueduct on 12/1/23. This was 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.

Santa Anita
Hector Berrios – violation date Jan 5; $414 fine, one-day suspension, one strike over the limit
Tyler Baze – violation date Jan 6; $250 fine, one-day suspension, one strike over the limit

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