Skip to Content Accessibility Information

October 2018 Thoroughbred Rulings - Maryland Racing Commission

October 4, 2018 - Laurel Park
#18-126 Trainer, Francis Abbott, III is fined twenty-five dollars ($25.00)
for not having the colors for “Wild River”, entered to run in the eighth race at Laurel Park on September 30, 2018, after receiving a warning on (09/14/2018 ) for the same offense.

October 4, 2018 - Laurel Park
#18-127 On September 19, 2018, the Stewards received notice from the Truesdail Laboratories, Inc. that urine sample #27453, dated September 2, 2018, contained the drug o-desmethylpyrilamine which is not on the approved list of Controlled Therapeutic Substances for the Maryland Racing Commission. The Stewards established that urine sample #27453 was taken from the horse “Justanarch”, owned by Paulette French and trained by Carl Doran, following the running of the tenth race at Timonium Race Track on September 2, 2018. The Stewards notified Mr. Doran that: (1) the presence of o-desmethylpyrilamine in the system of “Justanarch” 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. Doran did not exercise his right to the split sample testing. (COMAR 09.10.03.09 H 1, 2, & 3)

The Stewards held a hearing on October 3, 2018. Mr. Doran waived his right to legal counsel.

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

  1. Justanarch” did carry o-desmethylpyrilamine in its system when it finished first in the tenth race at Timonium Race Track on September 2, 2018, a violation under COMAR 09.10.03.04, Section C;
  2. Carl Doran, as trainer, was the absolute insurer of, and responsible for, the condition of “Justanarch” 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. Carl Doran be fined Five hundred dollars ($500).
  2. The horse “Justanarch”, be disqualified from the tenth race on September 2, 2018 at Timonium Race Track.
  3. The Horsemen’s Bookkeeper redistribute all purse monies for that race in accordance with the following order:

OFFICIAL ORDER OF FINISH

1st Brigid’s Cross
2nd Whenallelsefails
3rd Purring Valentine
4th Corinthian Sho Grl
5th Cheerful Account
6th Bet Her Later
7th Our Cotton Ball

Justanarch- unplaced

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

Trainer Carl Doran be accessed four (4) points.

October 5, 2018 - Laurel Park
#18-128 On July 19, 2018, the Stewards received notice from the Truesdail Laboratories, Inc. that urine sample #27296
, dated June 30, 2018, contained the drug morphine which is not on the approved list of Controlled Therapeutic Substances for the Maryland Racing Commission. The Stewards established that urine sample #27296 was taken from the horse “Jersey Life”, owned by Michael D. Infurna and trained by Timothy Shaw, following the running of the fifth race at Laurel Park on June 30, 2018. The Stewards notified Mr. Shaw that: (1) the presence of morphine in the system of “Jersey Life” 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. Shaw did exercise his right to the split sample testing. (COMAR 09.10.03.09 H 1, 2, & 3)
Upon receiving conformation from New York Drug Testing and Research Program that morphine was present in sample #27296 at a concentration of 8.0 ng/ml, the Stewards set a hearing regarding this result.

A hearing was held on October 5, 2018. Mr. Shaw waived his right to legal counsel.

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

  1. Jersey Life” did carry morphine in its system when it finished second in the fifth race at Laurel Park on June 30, 2018, a violation under COMAR 09.10.03.04, Section C;
  2. Timothy Shaw, as trainer, was the absolute insurer of, and responsible for, the condition of “Jersey Life” 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 Timothy Shaw not be fined or suspended.
  2. Mr. Shaw not be accessed any MMV points.
  3. The horse “Jersey Life”, be disqualified from the fifth race on June 30, 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 Missworldvenezuela
2nd Include a Check
3rd Eye On Berlin
4th Burbank Road
5th So Royal
5th No More Excuses
7th Stella Nova

Jersey Life- unplaced

October 6, 2018 - Laurel Park
#18-129 Trainer, Jeffrey Runco is fined twenty-five dollars ($25.00)
for not having the colors for “Maryland Pride”, entered to run in the eighth race at Laurel Park on October 4, 2018, after receiving a warning on (09/08/2018 ) for the same offense.

October 10, 2018 - Laurel Park
#18-130 On October 3, 2018, the Stewards received notice from the Truesdail Laboratories, Inc. that urine sample #28282
, dated September 22, 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 #28282 was taken from the horse “Pleasant Lee”, owned and trained by Amanda Rawlings, following the running of the fifth race at Laurel Park on September 22, 2018. The Stewards notified Ms. Rawlings that: (1) the presence of dextrorphan in the system of “Pleaseant Lee” at the time the horse ran constituted a violation under COMAR 09.10.03.04 Drug Prohibition - Horses; (2) She 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) She had the right to be represented by counsel at the hearing.

Ms. Rawlings did not exercise her right to the split sample testing. (COMAR 09.10.03.09 H 1, 2, & 3)

The Stewards held a hearing on October 7, 2018. Ms.Rawlings waived her right to legal counsel.

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

  1. Pleasant Lee” did carry dextrorphan in its system when it finished second in the fifth race at Laurel Park on September 22, 2018, a violation under COMAR 09.10.03.04, Section C;
  2. Amanda Rawlings, as trainer, was the absolute insurer of, and responsible for, the condition of “Pleasant Lee” 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 Amanda Rawlings will not be sanctioned.

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

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


October 10, 2018 - Laurel Park
#18-131 On October 3, 2018, the Stewards received notice from the Truesdail Laboratories, Inc. that urine sample #28266
, dated September 21, 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 #28266 was taken from the horse “Speightsford”, owned by Jeremiah Kane and trained by Benjamin Perkins, Jr., following the running of the eighth race at Laurel Park on September 21, 2018. The Stewards notified Mr. Perkins that: (1) the presence of dextrorphan in the system of “Speightsford” 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. Perkins 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 October 7, 2018. Mr. Perkins waived his right to legal counsel.

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

  1. Speightsford” did carry dextrorphan in its system when it finished second in the eighth race at Laurel Park on September 21, 2018, a violation under COMAR 09.10.03.04, Section C;
  2. Benjamin Perkins, Jr., as trainer, was the absolute insurer of, and responsible for, the condition of “Speightsford” 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 Benjamin Perkins, Jr. will not be sanctioned.

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

Trainer Benjamin Perkins, Jr. will be assigned one (1) Multiple Medication Violation Point.
[COMAR 09.10.03.02 C]

October 10, 2018 - Laurel Park
#18-132 Stable employee, Jacob Smith
having been duly notified to appear before the Stewards and having failed to appear is hereby suspended pending his appearance.

October 12, 2018 - Laurel Park
#18-133 Trainer, David Cannizzo is fined twenty-five dollars ($25.00)
for not having the colors for “Anytime Anyplace”, entered to run in the sixth race at Laurel Park on October 11, 2018, after receiving a warning on (10/04/2018 ) for the same offense.
THIS IS A VIOLATION OF: [COMAR 09.10.01.09]

October 13, 2018 - Laurel Park
#18-134 Trainer, Patricia Farro is fined Five Hundred dollars ($500.)
for failure to submit a scratch to the Stewards and missing Lasix treatment on her horse “Blavastki”, entered to run in the first race at Laurel Park on October 12, 2018.

October 17, 2018 - Laurel Park
#18-135 On October 11, 2018 the Stewards authorized a routine barn inspection of trainer Hector Sarmiento’s stable
, by the Racing Commission’s Investigators. Trainer Sarmiento was found to have in his possession a bottle, containing “Vitamin K”, a drug administered by injection.
This is a violation of COMAR 09.10.03.03 A (19)( a).

A Stewards hearing was held on October 14, 2018 for trainer Sarmiento, after reviewing all the evidence presented and hearing testimonies from all parties the Stewards made the following conclusions:

  1. Trainer Sarmiento had in his possession the drug “Vitamin K”.
    This is a violation of COMAR 09.10.03.03 A (19)( a).
  2. Trainer Sarmiento did not possess a prescription for this medication.
  3. No needles or syringes used for injections were found in his possession.

The Stewards took into consideration Trainer Sarmiento’s previous licensing history and do hereby order trainer Hector Sarmiento, to pay a fine in the amount of five hundred dollars ($500), for violation of the MRC Prohibited Acts rules regarding, possession of drugs. However, Two hundred and fifty dollars ($250) of this fine is stayed under the provision that no further violations of this nature occur in the next 365 days.
[COMAR 09.10.01.45 V, (1) d]

October 18, 2018 - Laurel Park
#18-136 On September 28, 2018, the Stewards received notice from Truesdail Laboratories, Inc. that blood sample #27494
, dated September 15, 2018, contained the drugs flunixin at 24,000+-4,100 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 #27494 was taken from the horse “Worktab”, owned by Bing Cherry Racing, Inc. and trained by Michael E. Jones, Jr., following the running of the twelveth race at Laurel Park on September 15, 2018. The Stewards notified Mr. Jones that: (1) the presence of flunixin and phenylbutazone in the system of “Worktab” 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. Jones declined to send a split sample.

The Stewards held a hearing via phone on October 18, 2018, wherein Mr. Jones waived his right to legal counsel.

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

  1. Worktab” did carry an overage of flunixin and phenylbutazone, in its system when it finished second in the twelveth race at Laurel Park on September 15, 2018, a violation under COMAR 09.10.03.04,C;
  2. Michael E. Jones, Jr., as trainer, was the absolute insurer of, and responsible for, the condition of “Worktab” at the time the horse ran (Sections D & F);

Based upon the foregoing, the Stewards hereby order that:

  1. Trainer Michael E. Jones, Jr. be fined one thousand dollars ($1,000.00). 09.10.0145 V (1) (d)
  2. The horse, “Worktab”, be disqualified from the running of the twelveth race on September 15, 2018 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 Valadier
2nd Bindlor
3rd Eighty Bucks
4th Buster’s Brother
5th Smarter Than Us
6th Jericho Marsh
7th Wise Story
8th Im the Game

Worktab - unplaced
[COMAR 09.10.03.02 C]

A separate hearing was held to address the Multiple Medication Violation Points. Mr. Jones will be assigned one- half (1/2)point.
[COMAR 09.10.03.02 C]

October 19, 2018 - Laurel Park
#18-137 Trainer, Brandon Kulp is fined twenty-five dollars ($25.00)
for not having the colors for “Party on Bourbon”, entered to run in the second race at Laurel Park on October 14, 2018, after receiving a warning on (09/23/2018 ) for the same offense.
THIS IS A VIOLATION OF COMAR 09.10.01.09

October 19, 2018 - Laurel Park
#18-138 Trainer, Marcos Zulueta is fined twenty-five dollars ($25.00)
for not having the colors for “Past Perfect”, entered to run in the second race at Laurel Park on October 14, 2018, after receiving a warning on (10/5/2018 ) for the same offense.
THIS IS A VIOLATION OF: [COMAR 09.10.01.09]

October 25, 2018 - Laurel Park
#18-139 In the third, at Laurel Park on October 18, 2018, horse #3 “Bay of Rocks”
, ridden by jockey Edwin Gonzalez was disqualified from second position and placed third. Inside the 1/8th pole, #3 “Bay of Rocks” came out, under left-handed whipping and then back into the path of #4 “Crazed” ridden by Jeremy Rose forcing the rider to take up and alter course twice.
[Violation under COMAR 09.10.01.50, A (1)b, d & e, which states in pertinent parts: “A horse may not: (b) Cross or weave in front of another horse without sufficient clearance (d) Intimidate another horse, or (e) Impede another horse.]

OFFICIAL ORDER OF FINISH:
1st Tap the Mark
2nd Crazed
3rd Bay of Rocks

DATE: October 25, 2018 - Laurel Park
#18-140 Jockey, Edwin Gonzalez, is suspended three (3) Maryland racing days
, October 25, 26 & 27, 2018, for riding the horse “Bay of Rocks” in a careless manner in the third race at Laurel Park on October 18, 2018, thereby causing the disqualification of “Bay of Rocks” from second to third position.
COMAR 09.10.01.45 AA(2)(c)(d).

October 26, 2018 - Laurel Park
#18-141 Trainer, Rodlfo Rodriguez is fined twenty-five dollars ($25.00)
for not having the colors for “Mongo Nation”, entered to run in the ninth race at Laurel Park on October 21, 2018, after receiving a warning on (10/11/2018 ) for the same offense.
THIS IS A VIOLATION OF: [COMAR 09.10.01.09]

October 26, 2018 - Laurel Park
#18-142 Trainer, Michael Catalano, Jr. is fined twenty-five dollars ($25.00)
for not having the colors for “Call Wil”, entered to run in the fifth race at Laurel Park on October 25, 2018, after receiving a warning on (10/18/2018 ) for the same offense.
THIS IS A VIOLATION OF: [COMAR 09.10.01.09]

October 26, 2018 - Laurel Park
#18-143 Trainer, David Cannizzo is fined one hundred dollars ($100.00)
for not having the colors for “Anytime Anyplace”, entered to run in the fifth race at Laurel Park on October 25, 2018, after receiving a fine on (10/11/2018 ) for the same offense.
THIS IS A VIOLATION OF: [COMAR 09.10.01.09]

October 26, 2018 - Laurel Park
#18-144 Trainer Noah Abramson is fined Two Hundred and Fifty dollars ($250.)
for not presenting a scratch in a timely manner for his horse “Robbie”, entered to run in the second race at Laurel Park on October 25, 2018. This late scratch prevented another entry the possibility of drawing into the race.

October 28, 2018 - Laurel Park
#18-145 On September 12, 2018, the Stewards received notice from the Truesdail Laboratories, Inc. that urine sample #27980
, dated August 26, 2018, contained the drugs methamphetamine and amphetamine which are not on the approved list of Controlled Therapeutic Substances for the Maryland Racing Commission. The Stewards established that urine sample #27980 was taken from the horse “Pure Passion”, owned and trained by Gerald Brooks, following the running of the second race at Timonium Fair on August 26, 2018. The Stewards notified Mr. Brooks that: (1) the presence of methamphetamine and amphetamine in the system of “Pure Passion” 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. Brooks did not exercise his right to the split sample testing. (COMAR 09.10.03.09 H 1, 2, & 3)

A hearing was held on October 27, 2018. Mr. Brooks waived his right to legal counsel. Attorney Alan Foreman was in attendance on behalf of the MTHA.

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

  1. Pure Passion” did carry methamphetamine and amphetamine in its system when it finished second in the second race at Timonium Fair on August 26, 2018, a violation under COMAR 09.10.03.04, Section C;
  2. Gerald Brooks, as trainer, was the absolute insurer of, and responsible for, the condition of “Pure Passion” 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 Gerald Brooks not be fined or suspended.
  2. Mr. Brooks not be accessed any MMV points.
  3. The horse “Pure Passion”, be disqualified from the second race on August 26, 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 Nancy R
2nd Dear Charlotte
3rd Pardontori’sfrench
4th Kelly’s Ford
5th Fine N Dancy

Pure Passion- unplaced

October 31, 2018 - Laurel Park
#18-146 Trainer, Gerald Brooks is fined twenty-five dollars ($25.00)
for not having the colors for “My Pirate”, entered to run in the fifth race at Laurel Park on October 28, 2018, after receiving a warning on (10/05/2018) for the same offense.
THIS IS A VIOLATION OF: [COMAR 09.10.01.09]

October 31, 2018 - Laurel Park
#18-147 Trainer, Marcos Zulueta is fined one hundred dollars ($100.00)
for not having the colors for “Katie’s Reward”, entered to run in the first race at Laurel Park on October 27, 2018, after receiving a fine on (10/14/2018 ) for the same offense.
THIS IS A VIOLATION OF: [COMAR 09.10.01.09]

DATE: October 31, 2018 - Laurel Park
#18-148 On September 14, 2018 the Stewards authorized a routine barn inspection of trainer Gerald Brooks’ stable
, by the Racing Commission’s Investigators. Trainer Brooks was found to have in his possession a syringe, containing “Flunixin”.
This is a violation of COMAR 09.10.03.03 A (19)( a).

A Stewards hearing was held on October 27, 2018 for trainer Brooks, after reviewing all the evidence presented and hearing testimonies from all parties the Stewards made the following conclusions:

Trainer Gerald Brooks is fined five hundred dollars ($500).
[COMAR 09.10.01.45 V, (1) d]