July 2025 Thoroughbred Rulings - Maryland Racing Commission
DATE: July 11, 2025 TRACK: Laurel Park
STEWARDS: Adam Campola
Ross R Pearce
Russell Derderian
RULINGS
#25-062
In the matter of, Ignacio Aros-Morales, subject of Stewards Ruling #25-027, dated April 6, 2025.
On July 11, 2025, Mr. Ignacio Aros-Morales appeared before the Stewards upon the request of HCP Coordinator Jessica Hammond, for consideration of reinstatement to good standing. The HCP coordinator provided an evaluation from the Bilingual Counseling Center. In their evaluation they indicate that Mr. Aros-Morales is presently drug free and not a detriment to the best interests of racing. They recommended that he be reinstated to good standing 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 Ignacio Aros-Morales be reinstated to good standing subject to the above-stated stipulation.
DATE: July 11, 2025 TRACK: Laurel Park
STEWARDS: Adam Campola
Ross R Pearce
Russell Derderian
RULINGS
#25-063
In the matter of, Leandro Gomez-Ibaceta, subject of Stewards Ruling #25-028, dated April 6, 2025.
On July 11, 2025, Mr. Leandro Gomez-Ibaceta appeared before the Stewards upon the request of HCP Coordinator Jessica Hammond, for consideration of reinstatement to good standing. The HCP coordinator provided an evaluation from the Bilingual Counseling Center. In their evaluation they indicate that Mr. Gomez-Ibaceta is presently drug free and not a detriment to the best interests of racing. They recommended that he be reinstated to good standing 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 Leandro Gomez-Ibaceta be reinstated to good standing subject to the above-stated stipulation.
DATE: July 11, 2025 TRACK: Laurel Park
STEWARDS: Adam Campola
Ross R Pearce
Russell Derderian
RULINGS
#25-064
In the fourth race at Laurel Park on June 29, 2025, horse #7 “Mike’s Magic”, ridden by
jockey Jevian Toledo was disqualified from second position and placed fourth. Inside
the 1/16th pole the #7 “Mike’s Magic” drifted out while on the wrong lead, into the path of
#3 “Veneto” ridden by jockey J. D. Acosta, forcing him to take up to avoid clipping heels.
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 Drill Baby
- 2nd Decorum
- 3rd Veneto
- 4th Mike’s Magic
DATE: July 11, 2025 TRACK: Laurel Park
STEWARDS: Adam Campola
Ross R Pearce
Russell Derderian
RULINGS
#25-065
Stable employee Richard Opoku was brought before the Stewards on a complaint of Harassment and a Hostile Work Environment. Mr. Opoku waived his right to legal counsel. A hearing was held on June 29, 2025 where it was determined that Mr. Opoku has been acting in an unprofessional manner. Mr. Opoku has been suspended for fourteen (14) days. However, his suspension is stayed provided he conducts himself in a professional manner and does not have any further involvement with his accuser.
[COMAR 09.10.03.03(7), 09.10.01.45 H.]
BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS