November 2020 Thoroughbred Rulings - Maryland Racing Commission
November 5, 2020 - Laurel Park
#20-142 The below listed licensees have been fined for failure to have the 2020-21 license badges they had been issued by the Maryland Racing Commission.
[COMAR 09.10.04.11, C.]
- FRANCOIS, Kali $5.00
- CORRERI, Patricia $5.00
- STERBENZ, Christopher $5.00
- PERKINS, Benjamin $5.00
- TRIMMER, Muffy $5.00
- SEREY, Mario, Jr. $5.00
- NIXON, Justin $5.00
- RIVERA, Justin $5.00
- RAMOS, Walter $5.00
- BARAJAS, Edwin $5.00
(Note: The fines have been paid)
BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS
November 6, 2020 - Laurel Park
#20-143 Trainer, Andry Blanco is fined Five Hundred dollars ($500.) for submitting an unwarranted scratch on his horse “Storm Risk”, entered to run in the sixth race at Laurel Park on November 6, 2020.
(Note: As per COMAR 09.10.04.05, failure to pay a fine within 48 hours from being notified may result in a suspension of license.)
BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS
November 6, 2020 - Laurel Park
#20-144 Trainer, J. Michael Rogers, is fined One Hundred dollars ($100.), for failure to have his entry,
“Futile”, treated with furosemide (lasix) four hours before post time for the first
race at Laurel Park on November 6, 2020.
COMAR: 09.10. 03.08 F (3) a, b & c.
(Note: As per COMAR 09.10.04.05, failure to pay a fine within 48 hours from being notified may result in a suspension of license.)
BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS
November 7, 2020 - Laurel Park
#20-145 Trainer, Bruno Tessore, is fined Two hundred dollars ($200) for not having a current coggins test on file with the racing office for his horse “Booyakasha” scheduled to run in the fifth race on November 6, 2020 necessitating a late scratch.
COMAR 09.10.04.14 A (1)
BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS
November 8, 2020 - Laurel Park
#20-146 Trainer, Roque Romero, is fined One Hundred dollars ($100.), for failure to have his entry,
“Chit Chat Girl”, treated with furosemide (lasix) four hours before post time for the second
race at Laurel Park on November 8, 2020.
COMAR: 09.10. 03.08 F (3) a, b & c.
(Note: As per COMAR 09.10.04.05, failure to pay a fine within 48 hours from being notified may result in a suspension of license.)
BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS
November 12, 2020 - Laurel Park
#20-147 On September 19, 2020, the Stewards received notice from the Truesdail Laboratories, Inc. that blood sample #34057, dated July 31, 2020, contained the drug mepivacaine at a level of .18+- .01 nanograms/ml which is above LOD of mepivacaine in plasma or serum. The Stewards established that blood sample #34057 was taken from the horse “Absalom”, owned by Vince Campanella and trained by Damon Dilodovico, following the running of the second race at Laurel Park on July 31, 2020. The Stewards notified Mr.Dilodovico that: (1) the presence of mepivacaine at any level, in the system of “Absalom” 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. Dilodovico 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 mepivacaine is present in sample #34057 dated July 31, 2020, at a quantity level of .28+-.01ng/ml.
The Stewards held a hearing on November 12, 2020. Mr. Dilodovico waived his right to legal counsel.
Based upon the evidence before them, the Stewards find the following:
(1) “Absalom” did carry mepivacaine in its system when it finished first in the second race at Laurel Park on July 31, 2020, a violation under COMAR 09.10.03.04, Section C;
(2) Damon Dilodovico, as trainer, was the absolute insurer of, and responsible for, the condition of “Absalom” at the time the horse ran (Sections D, E & 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 taking into account mitigating circumstances, the Stewards hereby order that:
(1) Trainer Damon Dilodovico, be fined in the amount of Seven Hundred and Fifty dollars ($750.).
(2) The horse “Absalom”, be disqualified from the second race on July 31, 2020 at Laurel
Park.
(3) The Horsemen’s Bookkeeper redistribute all purse monies for that race in accordance
with the following order:
OFFICIAL ORDER OF FINISH
1st Paratycachaca
2nd Mine to Hold
3rd I’ve Gotta Plan
4th Maryland Bandit
5th Irish Crossing
6th Senor Seville
Absalom - unplaced
A Separate hearing was held wherein Trainer Damon Dilodovico will be assigned two (2) Multiple edication Violation Points.
November 13, 2020 - Laurel Park
#20-148 Jockey, Alex Cintron is fined Two hundred and fifty ($250.00) for violating the riding crop rule, in
the ninth race at Laurel Park on November 12, 2020.
COMAR 09.10.01.45 H
BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS
November 15, 2020 - Laurel Park
#20-149 Jockey, Jorge Ruiz is fined Two hundred and fifty ($250.00) for violating the riding crop rule, in
the third race at Laurel Park on October 24, 2020.
COMAR 09.10.01.45 H
BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS
November 19, 2020 - Laurel Park
#20-150 Trainer, Ollie Figgins, III is fined Twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for not having the colors for “Happy Quest”, entered to run in the eighth race at Laurel Park on November 15, 2020, after receiving a
warning on (11/08/2020) for the same offense.
THIS IS A VIOLATION OF: [COMAR 09.10.01.09] which states in part:
“It shall be the sole responsibility of the trainer to see that his or her owner’s colors are in the
jockey’s quarters to be used for his or her respective entries, failure to do so, the trainer will be subject to fine”.
(Note: As per COMAR 09.10.04.05, failure to pay a fine within 48 hours from being notified may result in a suspension of license.)
BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS
November 19, 2020 - Laurel Park
#20-151 Trainer, Jaime Cruz is fined Twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for not having the colors for “Hero’s Hope”, entered to run in the ninth race at Laurel Park on November 12, 2020, after receiving a warning on (11/01/2020) for the same offense.
THIS IS A VIOLATION OF: [COMAR 09.10.01.09] which states in part:
“It shall be the sole responsibility of the trainer to see that his or her owner’s colors are in the
jockey’s quarters to be used for his or her respective entries, failure to do so, the trainer will be subject to fine”.
(Note: As per COMAR 09.10.04.05, failure to pay a fine within 48 hours from being notified may result in a suspension of license.)
BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS
November 20, 2020 - Laurel Park
#20-152 On October 14, 2020, the Stewards received notice from Truesdail Laboratories, Inc. that blood sample #33898, dated September 5, 2020, contained the drug flunixin at 6.0 +- .48ng/ml which is in excess of the accepted threshold level of 5ng/ml flunixin established by the MRC. See COMAR 09.10.03.01. The Stewards, having established that blood sample #33898 was taken from the horse “Indy Takes Charge”, owned by Chuck & Maribeth Sandford LLC and trained by Cathal Lynch, following the running of the ninth race at Laurel Park on September 5, 2020. The Stewards notified Mr. Lynch that: (1) the presence of flunixin, at this level, in the system of “Indy Takes Charge” 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. Lynch did exercise his right to the split sample testing. (COMAR 09.10.03.09 H 1, 2, & 3)
Upon receiving conformation from UIC Analytical Forensic Testing Laboratory that flunixin is present in sample #33898 dated September 5, 2020, at a quantity level of 5.8+-.7ng/ml., The Stewards held a hearing on November 20, 2020 via telephone wherein Mr. Lynch waived his right to legal counsel.
Based upon the evidence before them, the Stewards find the following:
(1) “Indy Takes Charge” did carry an overage of flunixin, in its system when it finished second in the ninth race at Laurel Park on September 5, 2020, a violation under COMAR 09.10.03.04,C;
(2) Cathal Lynch, as trainer, was the absolute insurer of, and responsible for, the condition of “Indy Takes Charge” 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.
Based upon the foregoing and taking into account mitigating circumstances, the Stewards hereby order that:
The horse, “Indy Takes Charge” be disqualified from the ninth race from September 5, 2020.
OFFICIAL ORDER OF FINISH
1st Dontletsweetfoolya
2nd Pretty Edgy
3rd Bossy Bride
4th Sarah’s Treasure
5th Escape Fund
Indy Takes Charge - unplaced
A separate hearing was held to address the Multiple Medication Violation Point system. Trainer Cathal Lynch will be assigned a half (.5) Multiple Medication Violation Point.
[COMAR 09.10.03.02 C]
November 22, 2020 - Laurel Park
#20-153 In the eighth race, at Laurel Park on November 21, 2020, horse #4 “Beyond the Victory”, ridden by Jockey
Xavier Perez was disqualified from first position and placed second. Inside the 1/8th pole #4 “Beyond the
Victory, came out a couple of paths, under left handed whipping, carrying #8 “Paradise Pride” out, ridden
by Jevian Toledo, impeding his best chance to finish.
[Violation under COMAR 09.10.01.50, A (1)(a) which states in pertinent parts: “A horse may not: (a) Carry a horse in or out:]
OFFICIAL ORDER OF FINISH:
1st Paradise Pride
2nd Beyond the Victory
BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS
November 22, 2020 - Laurel Park
#20-154 Jockey, Xavier Perez, is suspended three (3) Maryland racing days, November 27, 28 and 29, 2020, for riding the horse “Beyond the Victory” in a careless manner in the eighth race at Laurel Park on November 21, 2020, thereby causing the disqualification of “Beyond the Victory” from first to second position.
[COMAR 09.10.01.45 AA (1).
November 25, 2020 - Laurel Park
#20-155 In the matter of the eighth race at Laurel Park on November 21, 2020, regarding the Offical result.
On November 22, 2020 trainer, John Robb filed an appeal with the Maryland Racing Commission. The appeal contests the Stewards' decision to disqualify his horse “Beyond the Victory” from first position.
As a result of that appeal, the eighth race on November 21, 2020, is hereby declared in dispute and the following ordered to remain in effect until the dispute has been settled by the Maryland Racing Commission:
(1) Both “Beyond the Victory” and “Paradise Pride” shall be subject to all penalties attached to the winner of the race [COMAR 09.10.04.15, A(1)]; and
(2) The purse monies affected by the dispute are to be held by the Horsemen's Bookkeeper.
BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS
November 25, 2020 - Laurel Park
#20-156 In the seventh race, at Laurel Park on November 22, 2020, horse #5 “Market Cap”, ridden by jockey Johan
Rosado was disqualified from second position and placed sixth. Near the 3/16th pole #5 “Market Cap”,
came over into the path of #8 “Omati” ridden by jockey Jose Betancourt, forcing him to check sharply
to avoid clipping heels, impeding his best chance to finish.
[Violation under COMAR 09.10.01.50, A (1) b & e, which states in pertinent parts: “A horse may not: (b) cross or weave in front of another horse without sufficient clearance; (e) Impede another horse.]
OFFICIAL ORDER OF FINISH:
1st Ain’t Da Beer Cold
2nd Royal Number
3rd Erawan
4th Basso
5th Omati
6th Market Cap
BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS
November 27, 2020 - Laurel Park
#20-157 In the matter of the seventh race at Laurel Park on November 22, 2020, regarding the Offical result.
On November 26, 2020 trainer, Jeremiah O’Dwyer filed an appeal with the Maryland Racing Commission. The appeal contests the Stewards' decision to disqualify his horse “Market Cap” from second position and place him sixth.
As a result of that appeal, the seventh race on November 22, 2020, is hereby declared in dispute and the following ordered to remain in effect until the dispute has been settled by the Maryland Racing Commission:
The purse monies affected by the dispute are to be held by the Horsemen's Bookkeeper.
OFFICIAL ORDER OF FINISH:
1st Ain’t Da Beer Cold
2nd Royal Number
3rd Erawan
4th Basso
5th Omati
6th Market Cap
BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS
November 22, 2020 - Laurel Park
#20-158 In the fifth race, at Laurel Park on November 26, 2020, horse #2 “Kentucky Cool”, ridden by Jockey
Weston Hamilton was disqualified from first position and placed third. Just past the ¼ pole, #2 “Kentucky
Cool”, came out sharply under left handed whipping, forcing #4 “Twitty City”, ridden by Alex Cintron, out
behind #1 “Just Nod and Smile", forcing the rider to check to avoid clipping heels.
[Violation under COMAR 09.10.01.50, A (1)(a) which states in pertinent parts: “A horse may not: t (b) Cross or weave in front of another horse without sufficient clearance: (e) impede another horse:]
OFFICIAL ORDER OF FINISH:
1st Little Lion
2nd Twitty City
3rd Kentucky Cool
BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS
November 27, 2020 - Laurel Park
#20-159 The Stewards do hereby rescind the fine (ruling #20-151) issued to trainer Jaime Cruz,
dated November 19, 2020. This ruling was issued in error.
BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS
November 27, 2020 - Laurel Park
#20-160 Jockey, Weston Hamilton, is suspended three (3) Maryland racing days, December 1, 2and 3, 2020, for riding the horse “Kentucky Cool” in a careless manner in the fifth race at Laurel Park on November 26, 2020, thereby causing the disqualification of “Kentucky Cool” from first to third position.
[COMAR 09.10.01.45 AA (1).]
November 27, 2020 - Laurel Park
#20-161 Owner, Silvino Vasquez having appeared before the Stewards concerning falsifying his
license application is restored to good standing pending further investigation.
BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS
November 28, 2020 - Laurel Park
#20-162 In the matter of the fifth race at Laurel Park on November 26, 2020, regarding the Offical result.
On November 27, 2020 owner, Leo S. Nechamkin filed an appeal with the Maryland Racing Commission. The appeal contests the Stewards' decision to disqualify his horse “Kentucky Cool” from first position.
As a result of that appeal, the fifth race on November 26, 2020, is hereby declared in dispute and the following ordered to remain in effect until the dispute has been settled by the Maryland Racing Commission:
(1) Both “Kentucky Cool” and “Little Lion” shall be subject to all penalties attached to the winner of the race [COMAR 09.10.04.15, A (1)]; and
(2) The purse monies affected by the dispute are to be held by the Horsemen's Bookkeeper.
OFFICIAL ORDER OF FINISH:
1st Little Lion
2nd Twitty City
3rd Kentucky Cool
BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS