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December 2018 Thoroughbred Rulings - Maryland Racing Commission

December 8, 2018 - Laurel Park
#18-165 Jockey, Rosario Montanez, is fined two hundred dollars ($200.) for failure to put forth every effort in riding his mount, “Petticoatsnpistols" out to the finish, by standing up prior to the wire, in the first race at Laurel Park on December 2, 2018.
[Violation of COMAR 09.10.01.21-1 Q (1) (2)]

December 8, 2018 - Laurel Park
#18-166 Veterinarian, Alexandro Rubim-Dias, is hereby fined Five Hundred dollars ($500.), for failure to comply with MRC treatment regulations.
VIOLATION OF COMAR: 09.10.03.04 A(1)

December 8, 2018 - Laurel Park
#18-167 Stable employee, Gregory Wilson is hereby suspended for a period of thirty (30) days for being involved in a physical altercation on the grounds of Laurel Park, which is under the jurisdiction of the Maryland Racing Commission. This suspension however, is stayed under the provision, he not be involved in another altercation for a period of 365 days from the date of this ruling.
COMAR 09.10.03.03 A ; 09.10.01.45 V (4) (a) & (b)

December 8, 2018 - Laurel Park
#18-168 Stable employee, Alejandra Lopez is hereby suspended for a period of thirty (30) days for being involved in a physical altercation on the grounds of Laurel Park, which is under the jurisdiction of the Maryland Racing Commission. This suspension however, is stayed under the provision, she not be involved in another altercation for a period of 365 days from the date of this ruling.
COMAR 09.10.03.03 A ; 09.10.01.45 V (4) (a) & (b)

December 8, 2018 - Laurel Park
#18-169 On December 8, 2018, the Stewards received notice from the Truesdail Laboratories, Inc. that urine sample #28842, dated November 8, 2018, contained the drug dextrorphan which is not on the approved list of Controlled Therapeutic Substances for the Maryland Racing Commission. The Stewards established that urine sample #28842 was taken from the horse “Lezendary”, owned by Zayat Stables LLC and trained by Rodolfo Rodriguez, following the running of the sixth race at Laurel Park on November 8, 2018. The Stewards notified Mr. Rodriguez that: (1) the presence of dextrorphan in the system of “Lezendary” at the time the horse ran constituted a violation under COMAR 09.10.03.04 Drug Prohibition - Horses; (2) He had the right to have the split sample tested by an independent laboratory prior to the Stewards conducting a hearing in this matter; and (3) He had the right to be represented by counsel at the hearing.

Mr. Rodriguez did not exercise his right to the split sample testing. (COMAR 09.10.03.09 H 1, 2, & 3)

The Stewards held a hearing via telephone on December 8, 2018. Mr. Rodriguez waived his right to legal counsel.

Based upon the evidence before them, the Stewards find the following:

  1. “Lezendary” did carry dextrorphan in its system when it finished second in the sixth race at Laurel Park on November 8, 2018, a violation under COMAR 09.10.03.04, Section C;
  2. Rodolfo Rodriguez, as trainer, was the absolute insurer of, and responsible for, the condition of “Lezendary” at the time the horse ran (Sections D & F);
  3. A horse found to have carried a drug in its body during a race may be disqualified and the purse monies earned by that horse redistributed and
  4. An individual found to have violated these Regulations may be subject to a fine issued by the Stewards of up to $2,500 and a suspension of any license issued by the Maryland Racing Commission of up to 360 days. COMAR 09.10.03.02, Section A.

Based upon the evidence presented at the hearing and a precedent set by the Maryland Racing Commission: Trainer Rodolfo Rodriguez will not be sanctioned.

A separate hearing was held concerning the Multiple Medication Violation Point System.

Trainer Rodolfo Rodriguez will be assigned one (1) Multiple Medication Violation Point.
[COMAR 09.10.03.02 C]

December 9, 2018 - Laurel Park
#18-170 On December 8, 2018, the Stewards received notice from Truesdail Laboratories, Inc. that urine sample #28857, dated November 9, 2018, contained the drugs flunixin at 8.4+-1.6 ng/ml and phenylbutazone at 0.8mg/ml which, in combination, is in excess of the accepted threshold level of 3.0 flunixin and 0.3 phenylbutazone established by the MRC for this combination. See COMAR 09.10.03.01. The Stewards, having established that blood sample #28857 was taken from the horse “Ms. Picadilly”, owned by Athol W. Morgan and trained by Donnovan Haughton, following the running of the fifth race at Laurel Park on November 9, 2018. The Stewards notified Mr. Haughton that: (1) the presence of flunixin and phenylbutazone in the system of “Ms. Picadilly” at the time the horse ran constituted a violation under COMAR 09.10.03.04 Drug Prohibition - Horses; (2) he had the right to have the split sample tested by an independent laboratory prior to the Stewards conducting a hearing in this matter; and (3) he had the right to be represented by counsel at the hearing.

The Stewards held a hearing on December 9, 2018, wherein Mr. Haughton waived his right to legal counsel and a split sample.

Based upon the evidence before them, the Stewards find the following:

  1. “Ms. Picadilly” did carry flunixin and phenylbutazone, in its system when it finished first in the fifth race at Laurel Park on November 9, 2018, a violation under COMAR 09.10.03.04,C;
  2. Donnovan Haughton, as trainer, was the absolute insurer of, and responsible for, the condition of “Ms. Picadilly” at the time the horse ran (Sections D & F);

Based upon the foregoing, the Stewards hereby order that:

Trainer Donnovan Haughton, be fined in the amount of Five Hundred dollars ($500.).

A separate hearing was held to address the Multiple Medication Violation Point system.

Trainer Donnovan Haughton will be assigned one-half (1/2) Multiple Medication Violation Point.
[COMAR 09.10.03.02 C]

December 8, 2018 - Laurel Park
#18-171 In the matter of Trainer Kevin Patterson, regarding the Stewards Rulings #17-181 and #17-187.

The Commission hereby orders that:

  1. Kevin Patterson be fined Five hundred dollars ($500).
  2. Kevin Patterson be suspended Fifteen (15) days. Suspension is from December 21, 2018 through January 4, 2019.
  3. Kevin Patterson be assessed Two (2) Multiple Medication Violation Points.

December 13, 2018 - Laurel Park
#18-172 Trainer, Derrick A. Parram is fined one hundred dollars ($100.00) for not having the colors for “Brooklyn Sardy”, entered to run in the eighth race at Laurel Park on December 8, 2018, after receiving a fine on (11/24/2018 ) for the same offense.

December 14, 2018 - Laurel Park
#18-173 On October 26, 2018, the Stewards received notice from the Truesdail Laboratories, Inc. that urine sample #27017, dated October 13, 2018, contained the drug levamisole which is not on the approved list of Controlled Therapeutic Substances for the Maryland Racing Commission. The Stewards established that urine sample #27017 was taken from the horse “Empire Panther”, owned by Ejetero, LLC and trained by Jose Corrales, following the running of the seventh race at Laurel Park on October 13, 2018. The Stewards notified Mr. Corrales that: (1) the presence of levamisole in the system of “Empire Panther” at the time the horse ran constituted a violation under COMAR 09.10.03.04 Drug Prohibition - Horses; (2) He had the right to have the split sample tested by an independent laboratory prior to the Stewards conducting a hearing in this matter; and (3) He had the right to be represented by counsel at the hearing.

Mr. Corrales did exercise his right to the split sample testing. (COMAR 09.10.03.09 H 1, 2, & 3)
Upon receiving conformation from Industrial Laboratories that levamisole was present in sample #27017 at a concentration of 2.3 ng/ml, the Stewards set a hearing regarding this result.

A hearing was held on December 14, 2018. Mr. Corrales waived his right to legal counsel.

Based upon the evidence presented before them, the Stewards find the following:

  1. “Empire Panther” did carry levamisole in its system when it finished second in the seventh race at Laurel Park on October 13, 2018, a violation under COMAR 09.10.03.04, Section C;
  2. Jose Corrales, as trainer, was the absolute insurer of, and responsible for, the condition of “Empire Panther” at the time the horse ran (Sections D & F);
  3. A horse found to have carried a drug in its body during a race may be disqualified and the purse monies earned by that horse redistributed and
  4. An individual found to have violated these Regulations may be subject to a fine issued by the Stewards of up to $2,500 and a suspension of any license issued by the Maryland Racing Commission of up to 360 days. COMAR 09.10.03.02, Section A.

The Stewards hereby order that:

  1. Because of mitigating circumstances, Trainer Jose Corrales not be fined or suspended.
  2. Mr. Corrales not be accessed any MMV points
  3. The horse “Empire Panther”, be disqualified from the seventh race on October 13, 2018 at Laurel Park.
  4. The Horsemen’s Bookkeeper redistribute all purse monies for that race in accordance with the following order:

OFFICIAL ORDER OF FINISH

1st Perfect Exchange
2nd Shake D Moon
3rd That’sthewaytodoit
4th Broadway Trouper
5th Nomocats
5th Hainted
7th Found a Princess

Empire Panther- unplaced

December 14, 2018 - Laurel Park
#18-174 In the matter of Trainer, Nicholas Dilodovico: On November 30, 2018 Mr. Dilodovico was requested to deliver a urine sample by the MRC Investigators. The specimen he rendered tested positive for marijuana.
COMAR 09.10.03.05 A(1)(a)(i).

A hearing was held on December 14, 2018. Mr. Dilodovico appeared in the absence of counsel and waived his right thereto. Based upon the testimony and evidence presented at the hearing, the Stewards found Nicholas Dilodovico in violation of COMAR 09.10.03.05 Drug Prohibition-Humans. This is Mr. Dilodovicos’ second offence for marijuana.

Accordingly, the Stewards hereby order:
For an individual’s second violation under this regulation, the individual shall be suspended for an indefinite period and may apply for reinstatement only in the discretion of the Commission following completion of a certified drug rehabilitation program approved by the Commission.
[COMAR 09.10.03.05 G]

December 21, 2018 - Laurel Park
#18-175 In the matter of the Nicholas Dilodovico regarding the Stewards decision, Ruling # 18-174.

On December 14, 2018, Trainer Nicholas Dilodovico filed an appeal with the Maryland Racing Commission. As a result of that appeal, Nicholas Dilodovico is permitted to be licensed until the matter has been settled by the Maryland Racing Commission:

December 22, 2018 - Laurel Park
#18-176 In the matter of trainer Cathal Lynch; On December 21, 2018, trainer Cathal Lynch appeared before the Stewards to answer charges that he had acted in a way that is not in the best interest of racing. Trainer Lynch appeared in the absence of counsel and waived his right thereto.

At the hearing, the Stewards determined that:
Mr. Lynch did use threatening language to another licensee.
Based upon the above, the Stewards hereby order Cathal Lynch to pay a fine in the amount of five hundred ($500.00). Mr. Lynch is also suspended for a period of fifteen (15) days. This suspension is stayed under the provision, he not be involved in another threatening or physical altercation for the next calendar year.
[COMAR 09.10.01.45,H., 09.10.03 A(9)]

December 26, 2018 - Laurel Park
#18-177 In the second race at Laurel Park on December 22, 2018, horse #8 “Madame Tiger”, ridden by jockey, Victor Carrasco was disqualified from first position and placed second. Inside the 1/16th pole, #8 ”Madame Tiger” angled into the path of #5 “Lonely Drifter” ridden by apprentice Adrian Flores and bumped “Lonely Drifter” jostling him soundly.
[Violation under COMAR 09.10.01.50, A (1) c, d & e, which states in pertinent parts: “A horse may not: (c) Jostle another horse in or out (d) Intimidate another horse, or (e) Impede another horse.]

OFFICIAL ORDER OF FINISH:
1st Lonely Drifter
2nd Madame Tiger

December 26, 2018 - Laurel Park
#18-178 Jockey, Victor Carrasco, is suspended three (3) Maryland racing days, December 29, 30 & 31, 2018, for riding the horse “Madame Tiger” in a careless manner in the second race at Laurel Park on December 22, 2018, thereby causing the disqualification of “Madame Tiger” from first to second position.

However, jockey Carrasco has designated the “Jennings Stake”, to be run at Laurel Park on December 29, 2018. The Stewards have granted his request to ride in the Stakes that day to which he is named on; in as much as jockey Carrasco will serve an additional day of suspension on January 1, 2019.
COMAR 09.10.01.45 AA(2)(c)(d).
[COMAR 09.10.01.50 C ]

December 26, 2018 - Laurel Park
#18-179 Trainer, Juan Vazquez is fined twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for not having the colors for “Wizard of Odds” entered to run in the seventh race at Laurel Park on December 23, 2018, after receiving a warning on (09/30/2018 ) for the same offense.
THIS IS A VIOLATION OF COMAR 09.10.01.09

December 30, 2018 - Laurel Park
#18-180 In the matter of stable employee, Jacob Smith, subject of Stewards Ruling #18-132, dated
October 10, 2018.

On December 29, 2018, Jacob Smith appeared before the Stewards upon the request of HCP Coordinator Jessica Hammond, for consideration of reinstatement to good standing. The HCP coordinator provided a completion of program from The Tuerk House drug rehabilitation center. In their evaluation they indicate that Mr. Smith is presently drug free and not a detriment to the best interests of racing. She recommended that he be reinstated to good standing and permitted to return to work subject to the following stipulations:

  1. That Mr. Smith continue in counselling with Mrs. Hammond.
  2. That at the Stewards discretion he submit to drug testing by the HCP Coordinator, the Stewards, or their designated representative. [COMAR 09.10.03.05].

In light of the above, the Stewards hereby order that Jacob Smith be reinstated to good standing subject to the above-stated stipulations.

December 30, 2018 - Laurel Park
#18-181 In the eighth race at Laurel Park on December 29, 2018, horse #4 “Sower”, ridden by jockey, Horacio Karamanos was disqualified from fourth position and placed fifth. Inside the 1/16th pole, #4 ”Sower” came out into the path of #6 “Forever Liesl” ridden by Victor Carrasco forcing him to alter course.
[Violation under COMAR 09.10.01.50, A (1) d & e, which states in pertinent parts: “A horse may not: (d) Intimidate another horse, or (e) Impede another horse.]

OFFICIAL ORDER OF FINISH:
1st Isotope
2nd Trace of Grace
3rd Total Control
4th Forever Liesl
5th Sower

December 31, 2018 - Laurel Park
#18-182 Trainer, Michael Catalano, Jr. is fined one hundred dollars ($100.00) for not having the colors for “Statesboro”, entered to run in the sixth race at Laurel Park on December 30, 2018, after receiving a fine on (10/25/2018 ) for the same offense.
THIS IS A VIOLATION OF COMAR 09.10.01.09

December 31, 2018 - Laurel Park
#18-183 The below listed licensees have been fined for failure to have the 2018-19 license badges they had been issued by the Maryland Racing Commission.
[COMAR 09.10.04.11, C.]

  • RAMSBURG, Kenneth $5.00
  • ROWLAND, Nicholas $5.00
  • GUTIERREZ, Christina $5.00
  • SERVIN, Alejandro $5.00
  • SHEArER, Michael $5.00
  • RICHARDS, Althea $5.00

(Note: The fines have been paid)