August 2026 Standardbred Rulings - Maryland Racing Commission

August 05, 2026 — Ocean Downs — Ruling: OD 26-017

Driver Roger Plante Jr. is hereby assessed a fine of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) for one-handed whipping before the ¾ pole while driving FULL SEND in the eleventh race on August 3, 2026, at Ocean Downs, in violation of COMAR 09.10.02.33H(17). The fine assessed must be paid within ten (10) days of the issuance of this ruling. Failure to submit payment within this period shall result in the full suspension of the Maryland Racing Commission licensee and will remain in effect until full payment is received.

August 05, 2026 — Ocean Downs — Ruling: OD 26-018

Trainer Kayla Pressel is hereby assessed a fine of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) for making a late driver change on the August 5, 2026 racing program at Ocean Downs, in violation of COMAR 09.10.02.41C. The fine assessed must be paid within ten (10) days of the issuance of this ruling. Failure to submit payment within this period shall result in the full suspension of the Maryland Racing Commission licensee and will remain in effect until full payment is received.

August 07, 2026 — Ocean Downs — Ruling: OD 26-019

Driver Tim Deaton is hereby assessed a fine of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) for failing to keep a line in each hand and using a taunting motion while driving SUMMER DREAMS in the thirteenth race on August 5, 2026, at Ocean Downs. This is in violation of COMAR 09.10.02.33A(6)(a). The fine assessed must be paid within ten (10) days of the issuance of this ruling. Failure to submit payment within this period shall result in the full suspension of the Maryland Racing Commission licensee and will remain in effect until full payment is received.

August 07, 2026 — Ocean Downs — Ruling: OD 26-020

Driver Brandon Givens is hereby assessed a fine of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) for using exaggerated whipping motions in the stretch while driving LAND OF THE FREE in the first race on August 5, 2026, at Ocean Downs, in violation of COMAR 09.10.02.33H(17)(b). The violation includes failure to restrict whipping movements to wrist action with minimal elbow movement and raising the whipping arm above shoulder height. The fine assessed must be paid within ten (10) days of the issuance of this ruling. Failure to submit payment within this period shall result in the full suspension of the Maryland Racing Commission licensee and will remain in effect until full payment is received.

August 12, 2026 — Ocean Downs — Ruling: OD 26-021

On August 9, 2026, at Ocean Downs, an incident was reported in which Maryland Racing Commission licensee Shane Griffith used profane and abusive language towards an Ocean Downs security guard. This conduct is in violation of COMAR 09.10.03.03.A(7) and is detrimental to the best interests of harness racing. As a result, Mr. Griffith is hereby assessed a fine of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00). The fine assessed must be paid within ten (10) days of the issuance of this ruling. Failure to submit payment within this period shall result in the full suspension of the Maryland Racing Commission licensee and will remain in effect until full payment is received.

August 13, 2026 — Ocean Downs — Ruling: OD 26-022

Driver Allan Davis is hereby assessed a fine of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) for one-handed whipping in the stretch while driving MAKE IT RIGHT in the second race on August 12, 2026, at Ocean Downs, in violation of COMAR 09.10.02.33H(17). The fine assessed must be paid within ten (10) days of the issuance of this ruling. Failure to submit payment within this period shall result in the full suspension of the Maryland Racing Commission licensee and will remain in effect until full payment is received..

July 26, 2026 — Ocean Downs — Ruling: OD 26-023

Driver Barton Dalious hereby assessed a fine of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) for failing to drive when programmed on the July 19, 2026, program at Ocean Downs, in violation of COMAR 09.10.02.41C. The fine assessed must be paid within ten (10) days of the issuance of this ruling. Failure to submit payment within this period shall result in the full suspension of the Maryland Racing Commission licensee and will remain in effect until full payment is received.

August 26, 2026 — Ocean Downs — Ruling: OD 26-024

Driver Brandon Givens is hereby assessed a fine of One Hundred Fifty Dollars ($150.00) for causing interference on August 19, 2026 at Ocean Downs. While driving FEAR THE BEACH in the fourth race, Mr. Givens caused interference after the start that resulted in multiple horses to make breaks, in violation of COMAR 09.10.02.33.H(1)(i). FEAR THE BEACH was disqualified from fifth and placed eighth. The fine assessed must be paid within ten (10) days of the issuance of this ruling. Failure to submit payment within this period shall result in the full suspension of the Maryland Racing Commission licensee and will remain in effect until full payment is received.