PSA: Fines and Suspensions

Quote from talkinghorse on April 25, 2025, 9:53 AM

FAS Rulings for Friday, April 25, 2025

NOTABLES:

ENGBLOM, PER M on 4/29/2023

POSITIVE TEST- POST RACE WRIGHTSTOWN, NJ FINED: $6,000 YOB 1980 FULL - 380 DAYS, 5/16/2025 THRU 5/30/2026 New Jersey Racing Commission (NJRC) licensee Per Engblom was the programmed trainer of the horse "Mon Amour" when he raced in the 6th race at the Meadowlands Racetrack on April 29, 2023 and finished in first place. Following this race, "Mon Amour" was selected to submit post-race blood and urine samples for analysis. A report from Industrial Laboratories identified the presence of Oxycodone, Carisprodol and Meprobamate, a metabolite of Carisprodol. At Mr. Engblom`s request, split sample testing was performed at Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, which is an approved independent laboratory. These testing results did confirm the presence of Oxycodone, Carisprodol and its metabolite Meprobamate. This is in direct violation of the rules and regulations of the New Jersey Racing Commission. An adminsitrative hearing was conducted on December 6, 2023 in the Judges` office at the Meadowlands Racetrack to accept evidence and testimony regarding this matter. As a result of this hearing, the Board of Judges have determined that NJRC licensee Per Engblom was the programmed trainer of the horse "Mon Amour" when he raced in the 6th race at the Meadowlands Racetrack on April 29, 2023 and the presence of these prohibited substances is in direct violation of N.J.A.C. 13:71-23.1, and N.J.A.C. 13:71-23.6. As a trainer licensed by the NJRC, Mr. Engblom is the absolute insurer of and responsible for the condition of a horse within his care and custody and shall not enter or start a horse that has in its body any drug or substance foreign to the natural horse. As a result of the evidence and testimony presented at the administrative hearing held on December 6, 2023 regarding the post-race positive test from the horse "Mon Amour" for the drug Oxycodone on April 29, 2023, Mr. Engblom is hereby issued a full suspension of his NJRC license for a period of one year (365 days). Said suspension shall begin on March 15, 2024 and run through March 14, 2025 inclusive. Status as of 4/24/2025 - Subsequent Ruling - By Ruling No. 24MDH35, dated February 15, 2024, trainer Per Engblom was issued a three-hundred-eighty day suspension, a $6,000 fine, disqualification of purse and 8 Multiple Medication Violation ("MMV") points by the Board of Judges at Meadowlands Racetrack for violation of N.J.A.C. 13:71-7.29(a)13, N.J.A.C. 13:71-23.1(a)(b)1 and N.J.A.C. 13:71-23.6(a)(b)(c)(d) in connection with a positive test result in the horse "Mon Amour" when it completed in the 6th race at Meadowlands Racetrack on April 29, 2023. Mr. Engblom appealed the decision of the Board of Judges and requested a stay of the penalties. By Ruling No. 24TRH10, dated February 28, 2024, a stay was granted and the matter was transmitted to the Office of Administrative Law ("OAL") as a contested case. On January 2, 2025, Administrative Law Judge ("ALJ"), Thomas R. Betancourt issued an Initial Decision, which affirmed the findings of violation and all penalties except the three-hundred-eighty day suspension which he reduced to ninety days. At its March 19, 2025 meeting, the New Jersey Racing Commission adopted the ALJ's findings of fact and conclusions with certain modifications. The Commission found that the appropriate penalty should include a three-hundred-eighty suspension as ordered by the Board of Judges in Ruling No. 24MDH35. The Commission issued a Final Decision, dated April 23, 2025, setting forth its decision and modifications. Mr. Engblom is hereby issued a full suspension from May 16, 2025 through and including May 30, 2026. The fine associated with this ruling shall be received by the New Jersey Racing Commission no later than May 30, 2026. Related rulings: 24MDH35, dated February 15, 2024; 24TRH10, dated February 28, 2024.

 

SMITH, TODD D

Nfld on 4/18/2025 NORTHFIELD, OH FINED: $1,000 YOB 1972 FULL - 90 DAYS, 4/30/2025 THRU 7/28/2025 POSSESSION OF A DOSING AND/OR STOMACH TUBE On April 18,2025 a search was conducted of the barn F in the areas that are assigned to trainer Todd Smith, including his stalls, and tackroom, and his truck. During this search the investigator located a sealed package labeled "medium pvc stomach tube." Mr. Smith had a hearing with the judges on 4/21/25. After considering all testimony and evidence he is fined $1000 and suspended 180 days (first offense in the last 365 days) if this ruling is not appealed the suspension will be reduced to $1000 fine and 90 days (with the remaining 90 days stayed pending no further violations in the next 365 days) These are prohibited items and constitutes action that is against the best interest of racing. O.S.R.C.-3769-2-26 (A)(10);3769-18-07 (A) Mr. smith is barred from all grounds governed by the OSRC during his suspension. Any horses under his care that he wants to transfer to another owner or trainer must be approved by the judges at Northfield Park. The fine has been paid.

Quote from talkinghorse on May 2, 2025, 12:56 PM

FAS Rulings for Friday, May 2, 2025

NOTABLES:

BRADEN, COREY J

Wdstk on 4/27/2025 FIGHTING IJAMSVILLE, MD YOB 1970 FULL - 60 DAYS, 4/28/2025 THRU 6/26/2025 Driver Corey Braden engaged in a physical altercation with another driver coming off the Shenandoah Downs racetrack after the conclusion of the 7th race on April 27th, 2025. His actions are detrimental to the best interests of harness racing. As a result, Braden is issued a 60-day full suspension from April 28th, 2025 through June 26th, 2025. During this suspension, he and all horses trained and/or owned by him are barred from the grounds under the jurisdiction of the Virginia Racing Commission. Aggravating factors were considered in the determination of this penalty. 11VAC10-60-10.Y.

 

CARRUBBA, CHRIS S JR

HoP on 4/30/2025 LEBANON, OH FULL - INDEFINITELY AS OF 5/1/2025 CONDUCT DETRIMENTAL TO THE BEST INTEREST OF HORSE RACING YOB 1981 71 IAC 8-7-1; 71 IAC 10-2-3(a) During a search conducted by Indiana Horse Racing Commission investigators on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at Hoosier Park several items of contraband were found in a dorm room and trucks belonging to licensee Chris Carrubba, Jr. These items include, but are not limited to, needles, syringes, and injectable medications. This constitutes an act which is against the best interest of racing in the state of Indiana. For this violation Mr. Carrubba shall be summarily suspended beginning Thursday, May 1, 2025 until a disciplinary hearing is conducted with the judges at Hoosier Park. During the period of this suspension Mr. Carrubba is denied access to all grounds under the jurisdiction of the IHRC. All transfer of horses owned or trained by Mr. Carruba must first be approved by the judges at Hoosier Park.

 

MALETZ, JEFFREY R NEW LONDON, OH YOB 1972

Nfld on 4/18/2025 FINED: $1,000 FULL - 365 DAYS, 4/24/2025 THRU 4/23/2026 POSSESSION OF HYPODERMIC NEEDLES, SYRINGES AND/OR INJECTABLE AND/OR OTHER DRUGS On April 18,2025, a search was conducted in barn F in the areas that are assigned to trainer Jeffrey Maletz, including his stalls, tackroom, and his truck. During this search the investigator located two used syringes in his tackroom. Also three polypropylene hub needle caps on the floor of the tackroom. Then searched his pickup truck and found three unused Catheter Needles in the compartment between the two front seats. Mr. Maletz had a hearing with the judges on April 21,2025. After considering all testimony and evidence he is fined $1000 and suspended 365 days (First offense in the last 365 days). If this ruling is not appealed the suspension will be reduced to $1000 Fine and 180 days (with the remaining 180 days stayed pending no further violations in the next 365 days). These are prohibited items and constitutes action that is against the best interest of racing. O.S.R.C.3769-18-07 (A) 3769-2-26 (A)(10) 12-99 17-30(B) 17-33 (A) Mr. Maletz is barred from all grounds governed by the OSRC during his suspension. Any horses under his care that he wants to transfer to another owner or trainer must be approved by the judges at Northfield Park. The fine must be paid by 5/4/25.

 

SMITH, TODD D

Nfld on 4/18/2025 NORTHFIELD, OH FINED: $1,000 YOB 1972 FULL - 90 DAYS, 4/30/2025 THRU 7/28/2025 POSSESSION OF A DOSING AND/OR STOMACH TUBE On April 18,2025 a search was conducted of the barn F in the areas that are assigned to trainer Todd Smith, including his stalls, and tackroom, and his truck. During this search the investigator located a sealed package labeled "medium pvc stomach tube." Mr. Smith had a hearing with the judges on 4/21/25. After considering all testimony and evidence he is fined $1000 and suspended 180 days (first offense in the last 365 days) if this ruling is not appealed the suspension will be reduced to $1000 fine and 90 days (with the remaining 90 days stayed pending no further violations in the next 365 days) These are prohibited items and constitutes action that is against the best interest of racing. O.S.R.C.-3769-2-26 (A)(10);3769-18-07 (A) Mr. smith is barred from all grounds governed by the OSRC during his suspension. Any horses under his care that he wants to transfer to another owner or trainer must be approved by the judges at Northfield Park. The fine has been paid.

Quote from talkinghorse on May 9, 2025, 9:25 AM

FAS Rulings for Friday, May 9, 2025

NOTABLES:

 

SMITH, SAMUEL S

Nfld on 1/17/2025 DERBY, NY FINED: $1,000 YOB 1988 FULL - 7 DAYS, 5/11/2025 THRU 5/17/2025 HORSE DISQUALIFIED - PLACED 9, PURSE REDISTRIBUTION POSITIVE TEST- POST RACE Blood sample #925699 collected at North Park on 1/17/25 from the horse Big Bad Mosa was found to contain Triamcinolone Acetonide at a concentration of 124+-5 picograms per milliliter of plasma. Which exceeds the Regulatory Threshold of 100 picograms per milliliter of plasma that was adopted by the OSRC. Mr. Smith Waived his right to a hearing. He is hereby fined $1000 and suspended for 15days. Big Bad Mosa is disqualified and as a result of that disqualification all purse money must be returned for redistribution ($5000.00). This is Mr. Smith second Class 4, positive test in the last 365 days. If this ruling is not appealed the suspension will be reduced to $1000 fine & 7 days suspension (With 8 days stayed pending no positives test in the next 365 days) O.S.R.C. 3769-18-01- (B) (10) & (13) 18-02 3769-17-43. During his suspension Mr. Smith is barred from all grounds governed by the OSRC. Any horses that he wants to transfer to another owner or trainer must be approved by the judges at Northfield Park. The purse and fine must be paid by 5/15/25.

Quote from talkinghorse on May 17, 2025, 9:42 AM

FAS Rulings for Friday, May 16, 2025

NOTABLES:

ALLARD, SIMON

PcD on 4/1/2025 OTHER GILBERTSVILLE, PA FINED: $300 APPEALED - 5/9/2025 YOB 1982 PA Title 185.2, PA Title 205.501(14)(15) After the 5th race on 4/1/2025 at Pocono Downs, Simon Allard did initiate a disagreement/argument in the paddock with another licensee who attempted to walk away two times. After initiating for a third time - a physical confrontation occurred. Mr. Allard is fined $300 for acting in a manner that reflects negatively on the sport and is inconsistent with the interests of racing. Mitigating factors were considered in the determination of this ruling. Future violations may result in increased penalties. Appeals must be made in writing within 10 days of this decision to: State Horse Racing Commission 2301 N. Cameron St. Room 301 Harrisburg PA 17110 Attn: Anthony Salerno Status as of 5/9/2025 - Appeal - Ruling# 25005C The request by Simon Allard for an appeal of the Pocono Downs Board of Judges Ruling No. 25044PD is hereby DENIED. Mr. Allard failed to file his appeal in a timely manner pursuant to 7 Pa. Code §179.7 (b) and failed to submit the required appeal bond in accordance with 7 Pa. Code §179.7 (c).

 

ENGBLOM, PER

M on 4/29/2023 POSITIVE TEST- POST RACE WRIGHTSTOWN, NJ FINED: $6,000...STAYED FULL - 380 DAYS, 5/16/2025 THRU 5/30/2026...STAYED YOB 1980 New Jersey Racing Commission (NJRC) licensee Per Engblom was the programmed trainer of the horse "Mon Amour" when he raced in the 6th race at the Meadowlands Racetrack on April 29, 2023 and finished in first place. Following this race, "Mon Amour" was selected to submit post-race blood and urine samples for analysis. A report from Industrial Laboratories identified the presence of Oxycodone, Carisprodol and Meprobamate, a metabolite of Carisprodol. At Mr. Engblom`s request, split sample testing was performed at Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, which is an approved independent laboratory. These testing results did confirm the presence of Oxycodone, Carisprodol and its metabolite Meprobamate. This is in direct violation of the rules and regulations of the New Jersey Racing Commission. An adminsitrative hearing was conducted on December 6, 2023 in the Judges` office at the Meadowlands Racetrack to accept evidence and testimony regarding this matter. As a result of this hearing, the Board of Judges have determined that NJRC licensee Per Engblom was the programmed trainer of the horse "Mon Amour" when he raced in the 6th race at the Meadowlands Racetrack on April 29, 2023 and the presence of these prohibited substances is in direct violation of N.J.A.C. 13:71-23.1, and N.J.A.C. 13:71-23.6. As a trainer licensed by the NJRC, Mr. Engblom is the absolute insurer of and responsible for the condition of a horse within his care and custody and shall not enter or start a horse that has in its body any drug or substance foreign to the natural horse. As a result of the evidence and testimony presented at the administrative hearing held on December 6, 2023 regarding the post-race positive test from the horse "Mon Amour" for the drug Oxycodone on April 29, 2023, Mr. Engblom is hereby issued a full suspension of his NJRC license for a period of one year (365 days). Said suspension shall begin on March 15, 2024 and run through March 14, 2025 inclusive. Status as of 5/14/2025 - Stay - The New Jersey Racing Commission ("Commission") is in receipt of a notice of appeal and request for a stay from Andrew R. Benedict, Esq. on behalf of his client Per Engblom. By Ruling No. 24MDH35, dated February 15, 2024, trainer Per Engblom was issued a three-hundred-eighty day suspension, a $6,000 fine, disqualification of purse, and 8 Multiple Medication Violation ("MMV") points by the Board of Judges at Meadowlands Racetrack for violation of N.J.A.C. 13:71-7.29(a)13, N.J.A.C. 13:71-23.1(a)(b)1, and N.J.A.C. 13:71-23.6(a)(b)(c)(d) in connection with a positive test result in the horse "Mon Amour" when it completed in the 6th race at Meadowlands Racetrack on April 29, 2023. On January 2, 2025, Administrative Law Judge ("ALJ") Thomas R. Betancourt issued an initial decision, which affirmed the finding of violations and all penalties except the three-hundredeighty day suspension which he reduced to ninety days. On March 19, 2025, the Commission determined to modify the initial decision. The Commission found that the appropriate penalty should include a three-hundred-eighty day suspension as ordered by the Board of Judges in Ruling No. 24MDH35. The Commission issued a Final Decision, dated April 23, 2025, setting forth its decision and modifications. The Acting Executive Director, having considered the request for a stay, hereby grants a stay of the penalties pending a final determination by the New Jersey Superior Court, Appellate Division. Related rulings: 25TRH5, dated April 23, 2025; 24TRH10, dated February 28, 2024; 24MDH35, dated February 15, 2024.

 

MOORE, JASON E

Nfld on 3/29/2025 POSITIVE TEST- POST RACE JEFFERSONVILLE, OH FINED: $1,000 HORSE DISQUALIFIED, PURSE REDISTRIBUTION YOB 1970 Blood Sample #925097 collected at Northfield Park on 3/29/25 from the horse She Knows It All was found to contain Dexamethasone at a concentration of 599 +-32 picograms per milliliter of plasma. This exceeds the Regulatory Threshold of 5 picograms per milliliter of plasma adopted by the OSRC. Mr. Moore Waived his right to a hearing. He is hereby fined $1000 and suspended for 10 days (First Offense in the last 365 days). She Knows It All is disqualified and as a result of the disqualification all purse money must be returned for redistribution ($2500.00). The penalty will be reduced to a fine of $1000 if not appealed. O.S.R.C. -3769-18-01 (A) (10,13,15,16) 3769-18-02 3769-17-43 The purse money and fine must be paid by 5/19/25.

 

THARPS, TRENT E JR

MVR on 3/25/2025 POSITIVE TEST- POST RACE LOVELAND, OH FINED: $1,000 YOB 1981 FULL - 7 DAYS, 5/13/2025 THRU 5/19/2025 HORSE DISQUALIFIED - PLACED 10, PURSE REDISTRIBUTION OSRC 3769-18-01-A(1,10,13,15,16), 3769-18-02, 3769-17-43, 3769-17-30-B. Blood sample #927203 was tested by the Ohio Department of Agriculture ATL and was found to contain Diphenhydramine, a Class 3 drug. Blood sample #927203 was provided by #5 Control Sicily, who finished 1st in race 13 on 3/25/25 at Miami Valley Raceway, and was trained by Mr. Tharps. #5 is disqualified and placed 10th, the purse earnings of $3500 are ordered to be returned to Miami Valley Raceway to be redistributed accordingly. Mr. Tharps waived his rights to a hearing, split sample and DNA tests. This is Mr. Tharps first medication violation in the last 365 days. Mr. Tharps is fined $1000 and given a 15 day full suspension or a $1000 fine and a 7 day (5/13/25-5/19/25) full suspension if not appealed. The fine and purse must be paid within 10 days of this ruling. During his suspension, Mr. Tharps is denied the use and privileges of all the grounds sanctioned by the OSRC. All horses owned and/or trained by Mr. Tharps may only be transferred by the Judges at Scioto Downs or the OSRC. Mr. Tharps has 48 hours to appeal this decision to the OSRC.