August 2025 Thoroughbred Rulings - Maryland Racing Commission
DATE: August 8, 2025 TRACK: Laurel Park
STEWARDS: Adam Campola
Ross R Pearce
Russell Derderian
RULINGS
#25-067
In the matter of, Gregory A. Rice, subject of Stewards Ruling #16-101, dated June 15, 2016.
On August 8, 2025, Mr. Rice appeared before the Stewards via telephone to request consideration of reinstatement to good standing. Mr. Rice has been licensed in several states and is currently in good standing. Mr. Rice is presently drug free and not a detriment to the best interests of racing. Mr. Rice is returned to good standing with the Maryland Racing Commission and permitted to return to work subject to the following stipulation:
That at the Stewards discretion he submits 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 Gregory A. Rice be reinstated to good standing subject to the above-stated stipulation.
DATE: August 15, 2025 TRACK: Laurel Park
STEWARDS: Adam Campola
Ross R Pearce
Russell Derderian
RULINGS
#25-068
In the matter of Stable employee Demarco Gladden: On August 15, 2025, Mr. Gladden 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 August 15, 2025. Mr. Gladden appeared in the absence of counsel and waived his right thereto. Based upon the testimony and evidence presented at the hearing, the Stewards found Demarco Gladden in violation of COMAR 09.10.03.05 Drug Prohibition-Humans.
Accordingly, the Stewards hereby order:
That the license issued to Demarco Gladden be suspended until such time as he
has been professionally evaluated and deemed not a detriment to racing. [COMAR 09.10.03.05, F(1)].
That while he is under suspension, Mr. Gladden will not be allowed to work on
the backside.
[COMAR 09.10.01.45, 'Y (1) (a).] BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS
DATE: August 25, 2025 TRACK: Timonium Racetrack
STEWARDS: Adam Campola
Ross R Pearce
Russell Derderian
RULINGS
#25-069
In the second race at Timonium Racetrack on August 23, 2025, horse #2 “Hot Fudge Warrior”,
ridden by jockey Ricardo Chiappe was disqualified from first position and placed second.
While running down the backstretch, head-to-head with #1 “Paisley Singing” ridden by jockey
Tais Lyapustina, Jockey Chiappe bumps “Paisley Singing” twice, forcing “Paisley Singing” to hit
the inner rail.
COMAR 09.10.01.50 A (1)(b)(e) which states in pertinent parts: “A horse may not (a) Jostle another horse (d) Intimidate another horse (e) Impede another horse]
OFFICIAL ORDER OF FINISH
- 1st Paisley Singing
- 2nd Hot Fudge Warrior
DATE: August 25, 2025 TRACK: Timonium Racetrack
STEWARDS: Adam Campola
Ross R Pearce
Russell Derderian
RULINGS
#25-070
Jockey, Ricardo Chiappe, is suspended three (3) Maryland racing days August 30, 31 and September 1, 2025, for riding the horse “Hot Fudge Warrior” in a careless manner in the second race at Timonium Racetrack on August 23, 2025.
[COMAR 09.10.01.45 AA (1).]
DATE: August 25, 2025 TRACK: Timonium Racetrack
STEWARDS: Adam Campola
Ross R Pearce
Russell Derderian
RULINGS
#25-071
In the matter of the second race at Timonium Racetrack on August 23, 2025, regarding the Official result.
On August 23, 2025, owner Robert Dunham filed an appeal with the Maryland Racing Commission. The appeal contests the Stewards' decision to disqualify his horse “Hot Fudge Warrior” from first position.
As a result of that appeal, the second race on August 23, 2025, 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.
The order of finish;
- 1st Paisley Singing
- 2nd Hot Fudge Warrior
DATE: August 26, 2025 TRACK: Timonium Racetrack
STEWARDS: Adam Campola
Ross R Pearce
Russell Derderian
RULINGS
#25-072
In the matter of the ninth race at Timonium Racetrack on August 23, 2025, regarding the Official result.
On August 25, 2025, owner Timothy Freitag filed an appeal with the Maryland Racing Commission. The appeal contests the Stewards' decision to not disqualify the horse “Discreet Ops” from first position.
As a result of that appeal, the ninth race on August 23, 2025, 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.
The order of finish;
- 1st Discreet Ops
- 2nd Chapa
- 3rd Happy Clouds