February 2022 Thoroughbred Rulings - Maryland Racing Commission
DATE: February 4, 2022 TRACK: Laurel Park
RULINGS:
#22-010 Jockey, Victor Carrasco is fined Two hundred and Fifty dollars ($250.00) for violating the
riding crop rule, in the third race at Laurel Park on January 29, 2022.
COMAR 09.10.01.45 H
BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS
DATE: February 4, 2022 TRACK: Laurel Park
RULINGS:
#22-011 Jockey, Alberto Delgado is fined Two hundred and Fifty dollars ($250.00) for violating the
riding crop rule, in the first race at Laurel Park on January 30, 2022.
COMAR 09.10.01.45 H
BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS
DATE: February 4, 2022 TRACK: Laurel Park
RULINGS:
#22-012 In the fourth race at Laurel Park on February 3, 2022, horse #4 “Assembly Point”, ridden by
Jockey Johan Rosado was disqualified from first position and placed second. Inside the 3/16th
pole, #4 “Assembly Point” comes out multiple paths and continues to drift, herding
#1 “Sheriff Chip” ridden by Jorge Ruiz, forcing him to alter course to the inside to run a clear
path.
COMAR 09.10.01.50 A (1)(a)(d) which states in pertinent parts: “A horse may not (a) Carry another horse in or out (d) Intimidate another horse]
OFFICAL ORDER OF FINISH
1st Sheriff Chip
2nd Assembly Point
BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS
Date: February 4, 2022 TRACK: Laurel Park
RULINGS:
#22-013 In the matter of stable employee Jesus Cazares-Cruz: On January 22, 2022 Mr. Cruz was
requested to deliver a urine sample by the MRC Investigators. The specimen he rendered tested
positive for methamphetamine. The urine test was sent to Industrial Laboratories for confirmation. The sample was confirmed for methamphetamine.
COMAR 09.10.03.05 A(1)(a)(i).
A hearing was held on February 4, 2022. Mr. Cruz appeared in the absence of counsel and waived his right thereto. Based upon the testimony and evidence presented at the hearing, the Stewards found Jesus Cazares-Cruz in violation of COMAR 09.10.03.05 Drug Prohibition-Humans.
Accordingly, the Stewards hereby order:
(1) That the license issued to Jesus Cazares-Cruz be suspended until such time as he has been
professionally evaluated [COMAR 09.10.03.05, F(1)].
(2) That while he is under suspension, Mr. Cruz be denied the privileges of all the grounds
under the jurisdiction of the Maryland Racing Commission.
[COMAR 09.10.01.45, 'Y (1) (a).]
BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS
DATE: February 5, 2022 TRACK: Laurel Park
RULINGS:
#22-014 In the matter of Apprentice Jockey Jean Alvelo; Mr. Alvelo’s apprentice allowance was to have expired on January 23, 2022. Having provided all documentation pertinent to his injury of March 14, 2021, apprentice jockey Alvelo is hereby granted one hundred and sixty seven (167) days of extension. This extension will now continue his apprentice allowance thru July 8, 2022.
[COMAR 09.10.01.23 4(a)(I )(iv)]
DATE: February 5, 2022 TRACK: Laurel Park
RULINGS:
#22-015 In the matter of Jockey Mychel Sanchez; The Stewards were made aware of an ongoing investigation by the Stewards at Parx Racing about Mr. Sanchez betting on races through a TVG betting account. The Stewards ordered an investigation into this matter and the MRC Investigators proceeded.
The Stewards held a hearing on this matter February 3, 2022 wherein Mr. Sanchez was represented with legal counsel by Alan Pincus.
Based upon the evidence presented at the hearing and taking into account mitigating circumstances, the Stewards hereby order that:
Mychel Sanchez is suspended sixty (60) days and ordered to complete an accredited program for gambling addiction. This penalty will run concurrent with the penalty levied against him from Pennsylvania, commencing January 21, 2022 through and including March 21, 2022. During his suspension, Mr. Sanchez is denied the privileges of all grounds under the jurisdiction of the Maryland Racing Commission.
[COMAR 09.10.01.21 K (1)(2)]
BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS
DATE: February 9, 2022 TRACK: Laurel Park
RULINGS:
#22-016 Trainer, Chris Harting is fined Twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for not having the colors for
“Life in a Flash”, entered to run in the sixth race at Laurel Park on February 6, 2022, after
receiving a warning on (02/03/2022) 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
DATE: February 12, 2022 TRACK: Laurel Park
RULINGS:
#22-017 On November 13, 2021, the Stewards received notice from Industrial Laboratories that blood sample #32335, dated October 30, 2021, contained the drug 3 hydroxy lidocaine at a level of 28+- 3.3 pg/ml which is above the threshold of 20 picograms set forth for this drug. The Stewards established that blood sample #32335 was taken from the horse “Thisnameisokay”, owned by Selvin R. Hernandez Cano and trained by Steve Cooper, following the running of the third race at Laurel Park on October 30, 2021. The Stewards notified Mr. Cooper that: (1) the presence of 3 hydroxy lidocaine at this level, in the system of “Thisnameisokay” 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. Cooper did exercise his right to the split sample testing. (COMAR 09.10.03.09 H 1, 2, & 3)
Upon receiving confirmation from UIC Analytical Forensic Testing Laboratory that 3 hydroxy lidocaine is present in sample #32335 dated October 30, 2021, at a quantity level of 28+-3.0 pg/ml.
The Stewards held a hearing via telephone on February 11, 2022. Mr. Cooper waived his right to legal counsel.
Based upon the evidence before them, the Stewards find the following:
(1) “Thisnameisokay” did carry an overage of 3 hydroxy lidocaine in its system when it finished first in the third race at Laurel Park on October 30, 2021, a violation under COMAR 09.10.03.04, Section C;
(2) Steve Cooper, as trainer, was the absolute insurer of, and responsible for, the condition of “Thisnameisokay” at the time the horse ran (Sections D, E & 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 taking into account mitigating circumstances, the Stewards hereby order that:
- Trainer Steve Cooper be suspended Fifteen (15) days. The suspension is stayed under the stipulation that he not have another class 3 violation within 365 day period.
- Trainer Steve Cooper be fined in the amount of Five hundred ($500.00) dollars.
- The horse “Thisnameisokay”, be disqualified from the third race on October 30, 2021 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 Shemademelucky
2nd Keen Machine
3rd Greedy Algorithm
4th Kobe’s Girl
5th Miz the Best
6th Mejoramiga
7th Helens Spirit
8th Feminista
9th Buffum’s Beauty
Thisnameisokay- unplaced
A Separate hearing was held wherein Trainer Steve Cooper will be assigned two (2) Multiple Medication
Violation Points.
DATE: February 12, 2022 TRACK: Laurel Park
RULINGS:
#22-018 Trainer, David Howard, is fined Two Hundred dollars ($200.), for failure to have his
entry, “Hot Choice”, on the grounds and treated with furosemide (lasix) four hours
before post time for the third race at Laurel Park on February 12, 2022.
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
DATE: February 13, 2022 TRACK: Laurel Park
RULINGS:
#22-019 Trainer, Dale Bennett, is fined Two Hundred dollars ($200.), for failure to have his
entry, “Brettmeister”, on the grounds and treated with furosemide (lasix) four hours
before post time for the second race at Laurel Park on February 13, 2022.
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
DATE: February 13, 2022 TRACK: Laurel Park
RULINGS:
#22-020 Trainer, Jamie Ness is fined Twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for not having the colors for
“Love in Her Eyes”, entered to run in the sixth race at Laurel Park on February 12, 2022, after
receiving a warning on (02/03/2022) 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
DATE: February 13, 2022 TRACK: Laurel Park
RULINGS:
#22-021 Trainer Timothy Hills is fined Two hundred and fifty ($250.) for failing to have his horse “Rhumjar” in the paddock for the fifth race on February 12, 2022 resulting in an unwarranted late scratch and a refund of all monies wagered on said horse.
(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
DATE: February 13, 2022 TRACK: Laurel Park
RULINGS:
#22-022 Jockey, Carlos Lopez, is suspended three (3) Maryland racing days, February 18, 19 and 20, 2022, for riding the horse “Night Boss” in a careless manner in the third race at Laurel Park on February 11, 2022.
[COMAR 09.10.01.45 AA (1).]
DATE: February 16, 2020 TRACK: Laurel Park
RULINGS
#22-023 The below listed licensees have been fined for failure to have the 2021-22 license badges they had been issued by the Maryland Racing Commission. [COMAR 09.10.04.11, C.]
- MCCLURE, Diana $5.00
- WALLACE, Anthony. $5.00
- CRUZ-SALAZAR, Gustavo $5.00
- OLIN, Julian $5.00
- CRUZ-GARCIA, JR., Martin $5.00
- RUNCO, Jeffrey $5.00
- WOODIT, Joseph $5.00
- RUIZ, Gabriela $5.00
- ROHENA, Luia $10.00
(Note: The fines have been paid)
BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS
DATE: February 16, 2022 TRACK: Laurel Park
RULINGS:
#22-024 Trainer, Dorothy Worton, is fined Two hundred and fifty dollars ($250) for not having a current coggins test on file with the racing office for her horse “Postino’s Secret” scheduled to run in the third race on February 13, 2022, necessitating a late scratch and a refund of all monies wagered on said horse.
[COMAR 09.10.04.14 A(1)]
BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS
DATE: February 17, 2022 TRACK: Laurel Park
RULINGS:
#22-025 On November 12, 2021, the Stewards received notice from Industrial Laboratories that blood sample #32140, dated October 14, 2021, contained the drug ketorolac. The Stewards established that blood sample #32140 was taken from the horse “Swing West”, owned by Jonathan S. Sanchez and trained by Angel Sanchez-Pinero, following the running of the first race at Laurel Park on October 14, 2021 . The Stewards notified Mr. Sanchez that: (1) the presence of ketorolac in the system of “Swing West” 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 via telephone on February 17, 2022, wherein Mr. Sanchez waived his right to a split sample and legal counsel.
Based upon the evidence before them, the Stewards find the following:
(1)“Swing West” did have ketorolac, in its system when it finished second in the first race at Laurel Park on October 14, 2021, a violation under COMAR 09.10.03.04,C;
(2)) Angel Sanchez, as trainer, was the absolute insurer of, and responsible for, the condition of “Swing West” 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 foregoing, and taking into consideration mitigating circumstances and the opinion Dr. Libby Daniel, the Equine Medical Director, the Stewards hereby order:
(1) That because of mitigating circumstances,Trainer Angel Sanchez-Pinero not be fined or suspended.
(2) The horse “Swing West”, be disqualified from the first race on October 14, 2021 at Laurel
Park.
The Horsemen’s Bookkeeper redistribute all purse monies for that race in accordance
with the following order:
OFFICIAL ORDER OF FINISH
2nd Confusion Baby
3rd Classy Solution
4th Phantom Ro
5th Smart Step
6th Victory Given
Swing West- unplaced
A separate hearing was held to address the Multiple Medication Violation Point system, wherein mitigating circumstances were taken into consideration.
Trainer Angel Sanchez-Pinero will be assigned One (1) Multiple Medication Violation Point.
[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
DATE: February 13, 2022 TRACK: Laurel Park
RULINGS:
#22-026 Trainer, Jeremiah Englehart is fined Twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for not having the colors
for “She’s a Tripp”, entered to run in the eighth race at Laurel Park on February 12, 2022,
after receiving a warning on (02/13/2022) 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
DATE: November 17, 2021 TRACK: Laurel Park
RULINGS:
#22-027 Trainer, Jamie Ness is fined One hundred dollars ($100.00) for not having the colors for
“Artistic Reason”, entered to run in the seventh race at Laurel Park on February 13, 2022,
after receiving a fine on (02/12/2022) 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
DATE: February 19, 2022 TRACK: Laurel Park
RULINGS:
#22-028 Trainer, Jamie Ness is fined One hundred dollars ($100.00) for not having the colors for
“Factor This In”, entered to run in the fifth race at Laurel Park on February 18, 2022,
after receiving a fine on (02/13/2022) 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
DATE: February 20, 2022 TRACK: Laurel Park
RULINGS:
#22-029 On February 12, 2022, the Stewards received notice from the Industrial Laboratories that blood sample #E451392, dated January 22, 2022, contained the drug methocarbamol at a level of 2.80+- 0.19 ng/ml which is above the threshold of 1 nanograms set forth for this drug. The Stewards established that blood sample #E451392 was taken from the horse “Daper’s Drink”, owned and trained by Mario Serey, Jr., following the running of the first race at Laurel Park on January 22, 2022. The Stewards notified Mr. Serey that: (1) the presence of methocarbamol at this level, in the system of “Daper’s Drink” 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 February 20, 2022, wherein Mr. Serey waived his right to legal counsel and a split sample.
Based upon the evidence before them, the Stewards find the following:
(1) “Daper’s Drink” did carry an overage of methocarbamol in its system when it finished sixth in the first
race at Laurel Park on January 22, 2022, a violation under COMAR 09.10.03.04, Section C;
(2) Mario Serey, Jr., as trainer, was the absolute insurer of, and responsible for, the condition of “Daper’s Drink” at the time the horse ran (Sections D, E & 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
Based upon the evidence presented at the hearing and taking into account mitigating circumstances, the Stewards hereby order that:
- Trainer, Mario Serey, Jr. be fined in the amount of Five hundred ($500.) dollars.
- The horse “Daper’s Drink”, be disqualified from the first race on January 22, 2022 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 Seize the Day
2nd Voltamour
3rd Straight Up Guy
4th Bourbon and Ice
5th Yowza Yowza
6th Muchacho Macho
7th Imtheprince
Daper’s Drink- unplaced
A Separate hearing was held wherein Trainer Mario Serey, Jr. will be assigned one half (1/2) Multiple Medication Violation Point.
DATE: February 21, 2022 TRACK: Laurel Park
RULINGS:
#22-030 In the second race, at Laurel Park on February 20, 2022, horse #8“Big Boy Pants”, ridden by
Apprentice jockey Maclovio Enriquez, Jr. was disqualified from third position and placed
fourth. Just past the 1/8th pole, the rider of #8 inadvertently struck #6 “Lantau” in the face
with the riding crop.
COMAR 09.10.01.50 A (2)(a) which states in pertinent parts: “A jockey may not: (a) Strike another horse or jockey;
DATE: February 23, 2022 TRACK: Laurel Park
RULINGS:
#22-031 Jockey, Jorge Ruiz is fined Two hundred and Fifty dollars ($250.00) for violating the
riding crop rule, in the fourth race at Laurel Park on February 21, 2022.
COMAR 09.10.01.45 H
BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS
DATE: February 23, 2022 TRACK: Laurel Park
RULINGS:
#22-032 Jockey, Xavier Perez is fined Five hundred dollars ($500.00) for violating the
riding crop rule, in the seventh race at Laurel Park on February 21, 2022.
COMAR 09.10.01.45 H
BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS
DATE: February 24, 2022 TRACK: Laurel Park
RULINGS:
#22-033 On November 25, 2021, the Stewards received notice from Industrial Laboratories that blood sample #32434, dated November 7, 2021, contained the drug medroxyprogesterone . The Stewards established that blood sample #32434 was taken from the horse “Gone Inzane”, owned by Z & Z Stables and trained by Michael Zalalas, following the running of the fifth race at Laurel Park on November 7, 2021 . The Stewards notified Mr. Zalalas that: (1) the presence of medroxyprogesterone in the system of “Gone Inzane” 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 via phone on February 23, 2022, wherein Mr. Zalalas waived his right to a split sample and legal counsel.
Based upon the evidence before them, the Stewards find the following:
(1)“Gone Inzane” did have medroxyprogesterone, in its system when it finished seventh in the fifth race at Laurel Park on November 7, 2021, a violation under COMAR 09.10.03.04,C;
(2)) Michael Zalalas, as trainer, was the absolute insurer of, and responsible for, the condition of “Gone Inzane” 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 foregoing, the Stewards hereby order:
- Trainer, Michael Zalalas be suspended Thirty (30) days. The suspension is stayed under the stipulation that he not have another Class 3 violation within a 365 day period.
- Trainer, Zalalas be fined in the amount of One thousand dollars ($1,000).
- The Horsemen’s Bookkeeper redistribute all purse monies for that race in accordance
with the following order:
OFFICIAL ORDER OF FINISH
1st Kingston
2nd Battlebus
3rd Amen Corner
4th Extra Medium
5th Sky Magician
6th Blame it on Honey
Gone Inzane- unplaced
A separate hearing was held to address the Multiple Medication Violation Point system, wherein mitigating circumstances were taken into consideration.
Trainer Michael Zalalas will be assigned Four (4) 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
DATE: February 25, 2022 TRACK: Laurel Park
RULINGS:
#22-034 In the matter of owner, Wade Ashby, subject, of Steward’s Ruling #21-185. Having satisfied
his financial obligation to the Maryland Thoroughbred Purse Account as of February 20 ,
2022 the afore mentioned 0wnership is reinstated to good standing with the Maryland
Racing Commission and declared eligible to participate in racing.
BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS
DATE: February 26, 2022 TRACK: Laurel Park
RULINGS:
#22-035 In the matter of the ninth race at Laurel Park on February 21, 2022, regarding the Offical result.
On February 23, 2022, owner Robert D. Bone filed an appeal with the Maryland Racing Commission. The appeal contests the Stewards' decision to not disqualify the horse “El Bochinche” from first position.
As a result of that appeal, the ninth race on February 21, 2022, is hereby declared in dispute and the following ordered to remain in effect until the dispute has been settled by the Maryland Racing Commission:
(1) Both “El Bochinche” and “Birthday Wish” shall be subject to all penalties attached to the winner of the race [COMAR 09.10.04.15, A (1)]; and
(2) The purse monies affected by the dispute are to be held by the Horsemen's Bookkeeper.
BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS