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July 2021 Thoroughbred Rulings - Maryland Racing Commission

July 3, 2021 - Pimlico Race Course
#21-105 Trainer, Troy Holland is fined Twenty-five dollars ($25.00)
for not having the colors for “Dream D’oro”, entered to run in the sixth race at Pimlico Race Course on July 1, 2021, after receiving a warning on (06/19/2021) 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

July 4, 2021 - Pimlico Race Course
#21-106 In the matter of, Troy Robb, subject of Stewards Ruling #21-063, dated April 15, 2021.

On July 4, 2021, Troy Robb appeared before the Stewards upon the request of HCP Coordinator Jessica Hammond, for consideration of reinstatement to good standing. Mr. Robb provided a completion of program from Better Self Counseling, LLC. Ms. Hammond recommended that he be reinstated to good standing and permitted to return to work.
[COMAR 09.10.01.45 H.]

In light of the above, the Stewards hereby order that Troy Robb be reinstated to good standing.

BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS

July 5, 2021 - Pimlico Race Course
#21-107 In the matter of Trainer, John Salzman, Jr., subject of Stewards’ Ruling #21-104, dated June 26, 2021.

Trainer, John Salzman has filed an appeal with The Maryland Racing Commission of the Stewards decision to disqualify “Big Hambone” and “Sick Pack Sara” from purse money stated in Ruling #21-104.
[COMAR 09.10.04.04 A]

BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS

July 10, 2021 - Pimlico Race Course
#21-108 Trainer, Jonathan Maldonado, is fined One Hundred dollars ($100.)
, for failure to have his entry, “My Way or Else”, treated with furosemide (lasix) four hours before post time for the sixth race at Pimlico Race Course on July 4, 2021.
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

July 15, 2021 - Pimlico Race Course
#21-109 Trainer, Saul Ramirez is fined One hundred dollars ($100.00)
for not having the colors for “La Smarty”, entered to run in the sixth race at Pimlico Race Course on July 10, 2021, after receiving a fine on (06/25/2021) 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

July 22, 2021 - Pimlico Race Course
#21-110 On June 15, 2021, the Stewards received notice from Industrial Laboratories that urine sample #11461, dated May 20, 2021, contained the drug clenbuterol and urine sample #11481, dated May 21, 2021, contained the drug clenbuterol
. The Stewards established that urine sample #11461 was taken from the horse “Amen Corner”, owned and trained by Mario Serey, Jr., following the running of the first race at Pimlico Race Course on May 20, 2021 and urine sample #11481 was taken from the horse “Family Fortune”, owned by K 12 LLC and trained by Mario Serey, Jr., following the running of the first race at Pimlico Race Course on May 21, 2021. The Stewards notified Mr. Serey that: (1) the presence of clenbuterol in the systems of “Amen Corner” and “Family Fortune” 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 this matter July 17, 2021 wherein Mr. Serey waived his right to split sample testing and legal counsel. Also present were Dr. Libby Daniel, Equine Welfare & Medical Director and Dennis O’Neil, MRC Investigator.

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

  1. Amen Corner” did have clenbuterol, in its system when it finished second in the first race at Pimlico Race Course on May 20, 2021, a violation under COMAR 09.10.03.04,C;
  2. Family Fortune” did have clenbuterol in its system when it finished first in the first race at Pimlico Race Course on May 21, 2021, a violation under COMAR 09.10.03.04,C;
  3. Mario Serey, Jr., as trainer, was the absolute insurer of, and responsible for, the condition of “Amen Corner” and “Family Fortune” at the time the horses ran (Sections D & F);
  4. 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
  5. 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 foregoing, the Stewards hereby order that because both horses ran in the same testing period, it be considered one violation under the penalty phase.

(1) Trainer Mario Serey, Jr. be suspended Fifteen (15) days. The suspension is stayed under the stipulation that he not have another Class 3 violation within a 365 day period..
(2) Trainer Mario Serey, Jr., be fined in the amount of Five hundred dollars ($500.).
(3) The horse “Amen Corner”, be disqualified from the first race on May 20, 2021 at Pimlico Race Course.

The Horsemen’s Bookkeeper redistribute all purse monies for that race in accordance with the following order:

OFFICIAL ORDER OF FINISH

1st Holy Saint
2nd Booyakasha
3rd Ellerbe
4th Outside the Box
5th Seven Plus Seven

Amen Corner- unplaced

(4) The horse “Family Fortune”, be disqualified from the fifth race on February 29, 2020 at Laurel Park.

The Horsemen’s Bookkeeper redistribute all purse monies for that race in accordance with the following order:

OFFICIAL ORDER OF FINISH

1st Shak’s Hidden Gem
2nd Don’tbaggagecheck
3rd Arbutus
4th Perfect Exchange
5th Thunderinthevalley

Family Fortune- unplaced

A separate hearing was held to address the Multiple Medication Violation Point system.
Trainer Mario Serey, Jr. will be assigned Two (2) Multiple Medication Violation Points.
[COMAR 09.10.03.02 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

July 24, 2021 - Pimlico Race Course
#21-111 Jockey, John Hiraldo is fined Five hundred dollars ($500.00)
for violating the riding crop rule, in the Second race at Pimlico Race Course on July 23, 2021.
COMAR 09.10.01.45 H

BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS

July 24, 2021 - Pimlico Race Course
#21-112 Trainer, Madison Meyers, fined two hundred and fifty dollars ($250.00)
for failure to report the proper gender of her entry “We’re From Bristol” that ran on July 23, 2021.

(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

July 24, 2021 - Pimlico Race Course
#21-113 On June 23, 2021, the Stewards received notice from Industrial Laboratories that blood sample #31052 dated May 22, 2021, contained the drug phenylbutazone
at .88 mg/ml which is in excess of the accepted threshold of .3 mg/ml phenylbutazone established by the MRC. See COMAR 09.10.03.01. The Stewards, having established that blood sample #31052 was taken from the horse “Awesome Buzz”, owned by Toschia Spriggs and trained by Adam Ingram, following the running of the third race at Pimlico Race Course on May 22, 2021. The Stewards notified Mr. Ingram that: (1) the presence of phenylbutazone, at this level, in the system of “Awesome Buzz” 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 July 23 via telephone, wherein Mr. Ingram waived his right to legal counsel and a split sample.

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

  1. Awesome Buzz” did carry an overage of phenylbutazone, in its system when it finished first in the third race at Pimlico Race Course on May 22, 2021, a violation under COMAR 09.10.03.04,C;
  2. Adam Ingram, as trainer, was the absolute insurer of, and responsible for, the condition of “Awesome Buzz” 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, “Awesome Buzz” be disqualified from the first race from May 13, 2021.

OFFICIAL ORDER OF FINISH
1st Extra Medium
2nd Federale
3rd Spokane
4th Americano
5th Lucky Junior
6th Ticker Tape Parade

Awesome Buzz- unplaced

A Separate hearing was held wherein Trainer Adam Ingram will be assigned one half (1/2) Multiple Medication Violation Point.

July 25, 2021 - Pimlico Race Course
#21-114 On July 2, 2021, the Stewards received notice from Industrial Laboratories that blood sample #31137 dated May 31, 2021, contained the drug dexamethasone
at 11.3pg/ml+-0.7pg/ml which is in excess of the accepted threshold of 5pg/ml established by the MRC. See COMAR 09.10.03.01. The Stewards, having established that blood sample #31137 was taken from the horse “Hoss Kitten”, owned by Herman M. Braude and trained by Richard P. Sillaman, following the running of the first race at Pimlico Race Course on May 31, 2021. The Stewards notified Mr. Sillaman that: (1) the presence of dexamethasone, at this level, in the system of “Hoss Kitten” 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 July 24, 2021, wherein Mr. Sillaman waived his right to legal counsel and a split sample.

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

  1. Hoss Kitten” did carry an overage of dexamethasone, in its system when it finished first in the first race at Pimlico Race Course on May 31, 2021, a violation under COMAR 09.10.03.04,C;
  2. Richard Sillaman, as trainer, was the absolute insurer of, and responsible for, the condition of “Hoss Kitten” 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, “Hoss Kitten” be disqualified from the first race from May 13, 2021.

OFFICIAL ORDER OF FINISH
1st My Queen Michelle
2nd Postino’s Secret
3rd Life in Flash
4th Letmeslidebyyou
5th Two Carat

Hoss Kitten- unplaced

A Separate hearing was held wherein Trainer Richard P. Sillaman will be assigned one half (1/2) Multiple Medication Violation Point.

July 25, 2021 - Pimlico Race Course
#21-115 On July 2, 2021, the Stewards received notice from Industrial Laboratories that blood sample #31177 dated June 5, 2021, contained the drug dexamethasone
at 24.2pg/ml+-0.7pg/ml which is in excess of the accepted threshold of 5pg/ml established by the MRC. See COMAR 09.10.03.01. The Stewards, having established that blood sample #31177 was taken from the horse “Mavilus”, owned by Bird Mobberley and trained by John Salzman, Jr., following the running of the fifth race at Pimlico Race Course on June 5, 2021. The Stewards notified Mr. Salzman that: (1) the presence of dexamethasone, at this level, in the system of “Mavilus” 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 July 24, 2021, wherein Mr. Salzman waived his right to legal counsel and a split sample.

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

  1. Mavilus” did carry an overage of dexamethasone, in its system when it finished first in the fifth race at Pimlico Race Course on June 5, 2021, a violation under COMAR 09.10.03.04,C;
  2. John Salzman, Jr., as trainer, was the absolute insurer of, and responsible for, the condition of “Mavilus” 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, “Mavilus” be disqualified from the fifth race from June 5, 2021.

OFFICIAL ORDER OF FINISH
1st Ortinola
2nd Congress Hall
3rd Flyin It
4th Glory March

Mavilus- unplaced

A Separate hearing was held wherein Trainer John Salzman, Jr. will be assigned one half (1/2) Multiple Medication Violation Point.

July 25, 2021 - Pimlico Race Course
#21-116 On July 2, 2021, the Stewards received notice from Industrial Laboratories that blood sample #31141 dated May 31, 2021, contained the drug dexamethasone
at 12pg/ml+- 0.7pg/ml which is in excess of the accepted threshold of 5pg/ml established by the MRC. The Stewards established that blood sample #31141 was taken from the horse “Company Clown”, owned by Super C Racing, Inc. and trained by Claudio Gonzalez, following the running of the third race at Pimlico Race Course on May 31, 2021. The Stewards also received notice from Industrial Laboratoreis that blood sample #31147 dated May 31, 2021, contained the drug dexamethasone at 9.8 pg/ml+-0.7pg/ml which in in excess of the accepted threshold of 5pg/ml established by the MRC. The Stewards established that blood sample #31147 was taken from the horse “Mischiefs Model”, owned by Joey Platts, Andrew Molasky & Jeff Davenport and trained by Claudio Gonzalez, following the running of the sixth race at Pimlico Race Course on May 31, 2021. The Stewards notified Mr. Gonzalez that: (1) the presence of dexamethasone, at these levels, in the systems of “Company Clown” and “Mischiefs Model” at the time the horses ran constituted violations 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 this matter July 25, 2021 via telephone, wherein Mr. Gonzalez waived his right to split sample testing and legal counsel.

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

  1. Company Clown” did carry an overage of dexamethasone in its system when it finished first in the third race at Pimlico Race Course on May 31, 2021, a violation under COMAR 09.10.03.04,C;
  2. Mischiefs Model” did carry an overage of dexamethasone in its system when it finished first in the sixth race at Pimlico Race Course on May 31, 2021, a violation under COMAR 09.10.03.04,C;
  3. Claudio Gonzalez as trainer, was the absolute insurer of, and responsible for, the condition of “Company Clown” and “Mischiefs Model” at the time the horses ran (Sections D & F);
  4. 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
  5. 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 foregoing, the Stewards hereby order that because both horses ran in the same testing period, it be considered one violation under the penalty phase.

(1) The horse “Company Clown” be disqualified from the third race on May 31, 2021 at Pimlico Race Course.

The Horsemen’s Bookkeeper redistribute all purse monies for that race in accordance with the following order:

OFFICIAL ORDER OF FINISH

1st Holy Saint
2nd Booyakasha
3rd Ellerbe
4th Outside the Box
5th Seven Plus Seven

Company Clown- unplaced

(2) The horse “Mischiefs Model”, be disqualified from the sixth race on May 31, 2021 at Pimlico Race Course.

The Horsemen’s Bookkeeper redistribute all purse monies for that race in accordance with the following order:

OFFICIAL ORDER OF FINISH

1st Shak’s Hidden Gem
2nd Don’tbaggagecheck
3rd Arbutus
4th Perfect Exchange
5th Thunderinthevalley

Mischiefs Model- unplaced

A separate hearing was held to address the Multiple Medication Violation Point system.
Trainer Claudio Gonzalez will be assigned One half (1/2) Multiple Medication Violation Points.
[COMAR 09.10.03.02 C]

BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS

July 30, 2021 - Pimlico Race Course
#21-117 In the matter of trainer Freddie Johnson;

On July 30, 2021, trainer Freddie Johnson appeared via telephone, before the Stewards to answer charges that he had committed a violation of COMAR 09.10.04.19 Workers’ Compensation. Trainer Johnson appeared in the absence of counsel and waived his right thereto.

At the hearing, the Stewards determined that:

  1. On July 25, 2021, trainer Johnson employed a stable employee to run his entry, “Truth Serum”, in the Fifth race at Pimlico Race Course.
  2. Trainer Johnson does not carry Workers’ Compensation insurance, and
  3. Maryland Racing Commission regulations, under Section A of COMAR 09.10.04.19, require that a licensee who employs one or more individuals in “a racing-related activity” carry Workers’ Compensation insurance.

Based upon the above, and in accordance with the penalties they have issued in the past for similar violations, the Stewards hereby order Freddie Johnson to pay a fine in the amount of two hundred and fifty dollars ($250.00).

BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS

July 30, 2021 - Pimlico Race CourseRULINGS
#21-118 Owner, Kirk Nesbeth, having failed to pay a fee in the amount of One thousand one hundred and sixty-five dollars ($1,165.00)
, to the Maryland Thoroughbred Purse Account, is hereby precluded from participating in racing until said fee has been paid.
[COMAR 09.10.01.59, G.]

BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS

July 30, 2021 - Pimlico Race Course
#21-119 Owners, Robert Brittingham, James Wasserson, Louis A. Bisso, Jr. & Richard Vega Racing Stable, Inc., having failed to pay a fee in the amount of Two thousand two hundred and eighty dollars ($2,280.00)
, to the Maryland Thoroughbred Purse Account, is hereby precluded from participating in racing until said fee has been paid.
[COMAR 09.10.01.59, G.]

BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS

July 31, 2021 - Pimlico Race Course
#21-120 In the matter of the seventh race at Laurel Park on January 18, 2021;

On July 15, 2021, 2021, the Maryland Racing Commission convened to hear the appeal of trainer William Campbell. The Commission voted to uphold the Stewards decision in this matter and declared Joseph E. Besecker and Imaginary Stables “Redeem Eddie” the winner.
The trainer of “Seven on the Rocks”, William Campbell has accepted the decision and will not exercise his right to appeal. Therefore the new official order of finish is as follows;

Offical Order of Finish

1st Redeem Eddie
2nd Seven on the Rocks
3rd Bernie’s On Fire

The purse monies affected by the dispute are to be released by the Horsemen's Bookkeeper.

BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS

July 31, 2021 - Pimlico Race Course
#21-121 In the matter of Trainer, John Salzman, Jr., subject of Stewards’ Ruling #21-115, dated July 25, 2021.

Trainer, John Salzman has filed an appeal with The Maryland Racing Commission of the Stewards decision to disqualify “Mavilus” from purse money stated in Ruling #21-115.
[COMAR 09.10.04.04 A]

BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS

July 31, 2021 - Pimlico Race Course
#21-122 In the matter of Trainer, Richard Sillaman, subject of Stewards’ Ruling #21-114, dated July 25, 2021.

Trainer, Richard Sillaman has filed an appeal with The Maryland Racing Commission of the Stewards decision to disqualify “Hoss Kitten” from purse money stated in Ruling #21-114.
[COMAR 09.10.04.04 A]

BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS

July 31, 2021 - Pimlico Race Course
#21-123 In the matter of Trainer, Claudio Gonzalez, subject of Stewards’ Ruling #21-116, dated July 25, 2021.

Trainer, Claudio Gonzalez has filed an appeal with The Maryland Racing Commission of the Stewards decision to disqualify “Company Clown” and “Mischiefs Model” from purse money stated in Ruling #21-116.
[COMAR 09.10.04.04 A]

BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS