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PSA: [Drivers] Fines and Suspensions

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FAS Rulings for Friday, March 20, 2026

NOTABLES:

IRVINE, JUSTIN D AURORA, OH YOB 2001

Nfld on 3/15/2026 FINED: $300
IMPROPER CONDUCT OR LANGUAGE TO AN OFFICIAL
Mr. Irvine was unprofessional and rude towards the Starter after race #2 on 3/15/26. He
displayed hostile behavior which is not in the best interest of racing. He is hereby fined
$500. The penalty will be reduced to a fine of $300 if not appealed. O.S.R.C.-3769-2-
26(A)(10) 3769-17-29 The fine must be paid by 3/26/26.

 

ATHEARN, MATTHEW M CUMBERLAND, ME YOB 1998

Stga on 3/15/2026 FINED: $250
DRIVING - 3 DAYS, 3/19/2026 THRU 3/21/2026
INAPPROPRIATE USE OF THE WHIP
During the 11th Race on 03/15/2026 at Saratoga Raceway while driving #6 "FRONTIER
DRAGON" Matthew Athearn did violate the whip rule by using the whip more than three
times in succession without giving the horse time to respond and using more than wrist and
forearm action. This is Matthews Athearn`s second offence within 365 days. Matthew
Athearn is Suspended 3 Days (Driving Only) 03/19/2026 through 03/21/2026 and fined
$250.00. Future violations may result in increased penalties.

 

KASH, KEITH J JR MEDINA, OH YOB 1979

Nfld on 3/14/2026 FINED: $300
INAPPROPRIATE USE OF THE WHIP
While driving #5 Two Pistol Annie in race #13 on 3/14/26 he whipped the horse in an
exaggerated manner by raising his whipping arm above shoulder height and using more
than elbow and wrist action. Mr. Kash Jr waived his right to a hearing and is hereby fined
$500. The penalty will be reduced to a fine of $300 if not appealed. This is MR. Kash Jr`s
first whipping offense in the last 365 days. O.S.R.C.-3769-17-17(B)&(C) The fine must be
paid by 3/26/26.

 

MACDONALD, ANTHONY A MACEDONIA, OH YOB 1976

Nfld on 3/11/2026 FINED: $750
INAPPROPRIATE USE OF THE WHIP
While driving #4 Winter Soldier in race #14 on 3/11/26 he did whip the horse in an
exaggerated manner by raising his whipping arm above shoulder height and using more
than elbow and wrist action. This is Mr. Macdonald third whipping offense in Ohio in the last
365 days. Mr. Macdonald waived his right to a hearing and is hereby fined $1000. The
penalty will be reduced to a fine of $750 if not appealed. O.S.R.C.-3769-17-17 (B)&(C) The
fine must be paid by 3/22/26.

 

NAPOLITANO, GEORGE JR BOCA RATON, FL YOB 1966

PcD on 3/16/2026 FINED: $200
EXCESSIVE OR INDISCRIMINATE USE OF WHIP
PA Title 205.409 (c) While driving #4 ROBBIE PEV in Race 7 on 3/16/2026 at Pocono
Downs, George Napolitano Jr. used an exagerrated whipping motion raising his hand and
arm above shoulder height and was not restricted to forearm and wrist action only. Mr.
Napolitano was fined $200 which must be paid within 10 days of the ruling.

 

PALONE, DAVID M WASHINGTON, PA YOB 1962

Mea on 3/5/2026 FINED: $250
FAILURE TO KEEP A LINE IN EACH HAND
PA Code Title 7: 205.409(b) Mr. Palone used his whip in a one-handed manner driving #3,
WOODMERE HARRIET in The Meadows` 8th race on March 5, 2026. Mr.Palone is fined
$250 and has waived his hearing/appeal rights.

 

BECKWITH, BRETT M WILTON, NY YOB 2003

M on 2/27/2026 FINED: $500
INTERFERENCE/ CAUSING ANOTHER HORSE TO MAKE A BREAK

 

CIOCCA, JOHN JR. NORTHFIELD, OH YOB 1993

Nfld on 3/10/2026 FINED: $100
FAILURE TO OBEY THE INSTRUCTIONS OF A RACING OFFICIAL

 

PAGE, CHRIS L DELAWARE, OH YOB 1983

MVR on 3/18/2026 FINED: $200
FAILURE TO KEEP BOTH FEET IN THE STIRRUPS

 

PALONE, DAVID M WASHINGTON, PA YOB 1962

Mea on 3/11/2026 FINED: $200
HORSE PLACED 8
CHANGING COURSE/CAUSING INTERFERENCE

 

PAQUET, FERNAND A JR MIDDLETOWN, NY YOB 1968

MR on 3/11/2026 DRIVING - 3 DAYS, 3/15/2026 THRU 3/17/2026
HORSE PLACED 6
CHANGING COURSE/CAUSING INTERFERENCE

Talk to the hoof!

Start banning AMac from his multiple, daily Starbucks fixes, and he might start figuring out the whipping rules.  Again, I am glad to see Ohio crank up the fines for multiple violations.  I will give credit for what he has done to promote the industry to new owners, but I have to call out the negatives too. Somebody let me (us) know if he addresses it on his videos.  I would like to hear his version.

Lonnie has reacted to this post.
Lonnie

I emailed him asking if we pay the fine as a group. The answer surprised me. We DO NOT. The fine is on him. He said he was surprised by the fine. Not a good look for TheStable.ca. I'm glad it's not on us though. 

First and foremost, thank you @purple-aura for inquiring directly to AMac.  I just rewatched the replay.  I understand his point of view from a technical standpoint where his wrist and elbow may or may not have gone above his shoulder, but he used maximum energy in whipping the horse multiple times.  I accept that he was 1/9 and felt internal and external pressure to get the job done, especially after the early break in stride, but I agree with the ruling.  And as to who will bear the burden of the fine, don’t kid yourself.  Like tariffs, one way or the other it will be the blue collar, meat and potatoes person, who will pay the bill.  Okay, sorry, not sorry.  TAKE THE WHIP OUT AND WE WON’T HAVE TO WONDER.

Purple Aura has reacted to this post.
Purple Aura

AMac is getting in fairly deep with these whipping violations.

MACDONALD, ANTHONY A
MVR on 3/22/2026
MACEDONIA, OH
FINED: $1,000
INAPPROPRIATE USE OF THE WHIP
YOB 1976
OSRC 3769-17-17-B&C. While driving #6 Legendary Doowrah during the stretch in race 11
on 3/22/26 at MVR, Mr. MacDonald did whip the horse using other than wrist and elbow
action and raising his arm above his shoulder. This is Mr. MacDonald`s fourth whipping
offense in Ohio in the last 365 days. Mr. MacDonald is fined $1000 and given a 10 day
driving suspension, the penalty will be reduced to just a $1000 fine if not appealed, which is
due within 10 days of this ruling. Based on Mr. MacDonald`s numerous whipping violations
over the last 365 days, which also includes penalties from other jurisdictions, Mr.
MacDonald`s 2026 OSRC Driver`s license is placed on probation, which means any further
whipping violations in 2026 will result in suspensions that will increase on each offense. Mr.
MacDonald has 48 hours to appeal this decision to the OSRC.

FAS Rulings for Friday, March 27, 2026

NOTABLES:

ATHEARN, MATTHEW M CUMBERLAND, ME YOB 1998

Stga on 3/15/2026 FINED: $250
DRIVING - 3 DAYS, 3/19/2026 THRU 3/21/2026
INAPPROPRIATE USE OF THE WHIP
During the 11th Race on 03/15/2026 at Saratoga Raceway while driving #6 "FRONTIER
DRAGON" Matthew Athearn did violate the whip rule by using the whip more than three
times in succession without giving the horse time to respond and using more than wrist and
forearm action. This is Matthews Athearn`s second offence within 365 days. Matthew
Athearn is Suspended 3 Days (Driving Only) 03/19/2026 through 03/21/2026 and fined
$250.00. Future violations may result in increased penalties.

 

MACDONALD, ANTHONY A MACEDONIA, OH YOB 1976

MVR on 3/22/2026 FINED: $1,000
INAPPROPRIATE USE OF THE WHIP
OSRC 3769-17-17-B&C. While driving #6 Legendary Doowrah during the stretch in race 11
on 3/22/26 at MVR, Mr. MacDonald did whip the horse using other than wrist and elbow
action and raising his arm above his shoulder. This is Mr. MacDonald`s fourth whipping
offense in Ohio in the last 365 days. Mr. MacDonald is fined $1000 and given a 10 day
driving suspension, the penalty will be reduced to just a $1000 fine if not appealed, which is
due within 10 days of this ruling. Based on Mr. MacDonald`s numerous whipping violations
over the last 365 days, which also includes penalties from other jurisdictions, Mr.
MacDonald`s 2026 OSRC Driver`s license is placed on probation, which means any further
whipping violations in 2026 will result in suspensions that will increase on each offense. Mr.
MacDonald has 48 hours to appeal this decision to the OSRC.

MVR on 3/24/2026 FINED: $350
FAILURE TO MAINTAIN REASONABLE CONTROL OF THE HORSE

 

NAPOLITANO, GEORGE JR BOCA RATON, FL YOB 1966

PcD on 3/16/2026 FINED: $200
EXCESSIVE OR INDISCRIMINATE USE OF WHIP

PA Title 205.409 (c) While driving #4 ROBBIE PEV in Race 7 on 3/16/2026 at Pocono
Downs, George Napolitano Jr. used an exagerrated whipping motion raising his hand and
arm above shoulder height and was not restricted to forearm and wrist action only. Mr.
Napolitano was fined $200 which must be paid within 10 days of the ruling.

 

PALONE, DAVID M WASHINGTON, PA YOB 1962

Mea on 3/5/2026 FINED: $250
FAILURE TO KEEP A LINE IN EACH HAND
PA Code Title 7: 205.409(b) Mr. Palone used his whip in a one-handed manner driving #3,
WOODMERE HARRIET in The Meadows` 8th race on March 5, 2026. Mr.Palone is fined
$250 and has waived his hearing/appeal rights.

 

SUGG, KURT D POLK, OH YOB 1969

Nfld on 3/21/2026 FINED: $300
INAPPROPRIATE USE OF THE WHIP
While driving #3 French Shaker in race #2 on 3/21/26 he whipped the horse in an
exaggerated manner by raising his whipping arm above shoulder height and using more
than elbow and wrist action. Mr. Sugg waived his right to a hearing and is hereby fined
$500. the penalty will be reduced to a fine of $300 if not appealed. This is Mr. Sugg`s first
whipping offense in the last 365 days. O.S.R.C.-3769-17-17(B)&(C) The fine must be paid
by 4/1/26.

 

CASE, WALTER H JR RICHMOND, ME YOB 1961

CUMB on 3/21/2026 FINED: $100
INSIDE THE EURO RAIL / PYLON VIOLATION

It's good to see Casey back!

 

CIOCCA, JOHN JR. NORTHFIELD, OH YOB 1993

Nfld on 3/18/2026 FINED: $100
JOSTLE, STRIKE OR HOOK WHEELS

 

HANNERS, AUSTIN B FRANKFORT, OH YOB 1999

MVR on 3/24/2026 FINED: $100
TALKING ON THE RACE TRACK

MVR on 3/26/2026 FINED: $100
INSIDE THE EURO RAIL / PYLON VIOLATION

MVR on 3/26/2026 FINED: $100
INSIDE THE EURO RAIL / PYLON VIOLATION

 

HANNERS, LUKE CHILLICOTHE, OH YOB 2000

MVR on 3/26/2026 FINED: $100
INSIDE THE EURO RAIL / PYLON VIOLATION

 

MERRIMAN, AARON E NORTHFIELD, OH YOB 1978

Nfld on 3/18/2026 FINED: $100
LATE TO THE PADDOCK

Mea on 3/18/2026 FINED: $100
FAILURE TO SET AND MAINTAIN A PROPER PACE

 

MILLER, DAVID S ROBBINSVILLE, NJ YOB 1964

MVR on 3/24/2026 FINED: $100
TALKING ON THE RACE TRACK

 

PALONE, DAVID M WASHINGTON, PA YOB 1962

Mea on 3/11/2026 FINED: $200
HORSE PLACED 8
CHANGING COURSE/CAUSING INTERFERENCE

Talk to the hoof!

 

                   Norm,

 

  Check out Anthony's last video. Recaps ( good and bad). I'd post a link but youtube and I are not seeing eye to eye at the moment. Anthony had another whipping violation and received 10 days. He talks about it a few minutes into the video and keeps apologizing the entire time. Just wanted you to know it's out there before you read about the suspension. 

Yeah, I was aware and commented on it last week on the 10 day and $1k fine.  I feel like I have been on my soapbox enough lately.  He needed to address it and glad he did.

Disagree more soapbox. This place can be slow. Opening Day for Tigers and Keeneland. Warmest Opener on record 75 and sunny. Final Four this weekend. Tigers have a rookie who looks to the real deal. Finally. Since Lou and Trams. ?I've already asked Anthony to name whatever Michigan colt he buys at the sale this fall McGonigle. Too soon? :):):)

FAS Rulings for Friday, April 3, 2026

NOTABLES:

CHINDANO, JOSEPH J JR. BLOOMINGBURG, NY YOB 1999

BR on 3/21/2026 FINED: $500
FULL - 30 DAYS, 4/1/2026 THRU 4/30/2026
FIGHTING
On Saturday, March 21, 2026, as driver of the 2 horse, FLAG PARTY, in the 7th race at
Buffalo Raceway, Joe Chindano Jr. did instigate a physical altercation after the race`s
conclusion. This is conduct detrimental to the best interest of racing. Having appeared
before a representative of the New York State Gaming Commission and waving his right to
a formal hearing and right to appeal, Joe Chindano Jr. is issued a Sixty (60) day (reduced
to Thirty (30) days without appeal) full suspension of his occupational license beginning
4/1/2026 through and including 4/30/2026. Furthermore, Joe Chindano Jr. is fined One
Thousand Dollars ($1000.00) (reduced to Five hundred ($500.00) without appeal). Further
violations of this nature may result in increased penalties.

 

MACDONALD, ANTHONY A MACEDONIA, OH YOB 1976

Nfld on 3/29/2026 FINED: $350
HORSE PLACED 7
CHANGING COURSE/CAUSING INTERFERENCE

 

MERRIMAN, AARON E NORTHFIELD, OH YOB 1978

Nfld on 3/29/2026 FINED: $100
INSIDE THE EURO RAIL / PYLON VIOLATION

 

MILLER, DAVID S ROBBINSVILLE, NJ YOB 1964

MVR on 4/1/2026 FINED: $100
FAILURE TO OBEY THE INSTRUCTION OF THE PADDOCK JUDGE

 

WRENN, RONNIE H JR. CHAGRIN FALLS, OH YOB 1986

Mea on 3/26/2026 FINED: $100
FAILURE TO SET AND MAINTAIN A PROPER PACE

Talk to the hoof!
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