PSA: Fines and Suspensions

Quote from talkinghorse on May 30, 2025, 10:47 AM

FAS Rulings for Friday, May 30, 2025

NOTABLES:

BATESON, CASE A CANNONSBURG, PA YOB 2001

Mea on 5/21/2025 FINED: $200 EXCESSIVE OR INDISCRIMINATE USE OF WHIP PA Code Title 7: 205.409(c) Mr. Bateson raised his whipping arm above shoulder level and used his whip with more than wrist and elbow action driving #1, INDRA in The Meadows` tenth race on May 21, 2025. Mr. Bateson is fined $200 (fines are due within ten days of ruling) and has waived his hearing/appeal rights.

 

LUNA, MARVIN ALFREDO LEXINGTON, KY YOB 2001

HoP on 5/17/2025 FINED: $500 DRIVING - 5 DAYS, 5/27/2025 THRU 5/31/2025 EXCESSIVE OR INDISCRIMINATE USE OF WHIP 71 IAC 7-3-13(d)(5) While driving No. 5 GOO GOO WON in race 8 at Hoosier Park on May 17, 2025 driver Marvin Luna was found to be in violation of Indiana Horse Racing Commission whipping rules. For this violation Mr. Luna is fined $500.00 which is due within seven days of this ruling. Mr. Luna is also issued a 5-day suspension, from driving only. This suspension is from May 27, 2025 through May 31, 2025 (inclusive). Mr. Luna had a hearing with the judges on May, 23, 2025 and was warned that further whip restrictions may be issued.

 

MACDONALD, ANTHONY A MACEDONIA, OH YOB 1976

Mea on 5/22/2025 FINED: $200 EXCESSIVE OR INDISCRIMINATE USE OF WHIP PA Code Title 7: 205.409(c) Mr. MacDonald raised his whipping arm above shoulder level and used his whip with more than elbow and wrist action driving #2, CAPTAIN PARADISE in The Meadows` eleventh race on May 22, 2025. Mr. MacDonald is fined $200 (fines are due within ten days of ruling) and has waived his hearing/appeal rights.

 

BECKWITH, BRETT M WILTON, NY YOB 2003

PRc on 5/27/2025 FINED: $100 LAYING BACK IN SULKY

 

BUTER, TYLER L MILFORD, PA YOB 1985

PcD on 5/27/2025 FINED: $200 CROWDING/PUTTING ANOTHER WHEEL UNDER ANOTHER HORSE OR DRIVER

 

CASE, WALTER H JR RICHMOND, ME YOB 1961

CUMB on 5/23/2025 FINED: $100 FAILURE TO KEEP HOLE CLOSED

 

LE VAN, HANK WOODSTOCK, OH YOB 1994

ScD on 5/24/2025 FINED: $200 IMPEDING THE PROGRESS OF ANOTHER HORSE

 

MAGEE, DEAN T CLINTONVILLE, WI YOB 1964

Aces on 5/22/2025 FINED: $200 INTERFERENCE/ CAUSING ANOTHER HORSE TO NOT FINISH

 

PAGE, CHRIS L DELAWARE, OH YOB 1983

ScD on 5/26/2025 FINED: $200 HORSE PLACED 2 PASSING LANE VIOLATION

 

PALONE, DAVID M WASHINGTON, PA YOB 1962

Mea on 5/22/2025 FINED: $200 KICKING A HORSE

 

WRENN, RONNIE H JR.

Mea on 5/16/2025 CHAGRIN FALLS, OH FINED: $100 FAILURE TO SET AND MAINTAIN A PROPER PACE

Quote from talkinghorse on June 6, 2025, 12:57 PM

FAS Rulings for Friday, June 6, 2025

NOTABLES:

HENRY, ZACHARY R

DTN on 10/29/2024 SPRINGFIELD, OH FINED: $1,000 YOB 1979 DRIVING - 365 DAYS, 5/29/2025 THRU 5/28/2026 UNSATISFACTORY DRIVE -LACK OF EFFORT OSRC 3769-17-11-D, 3769-17-11-D(2), 3769-17-99, 3769-2-26-A(4&10),3769-2-99. While driving #6 KD`S Mik during the stretch in race 6 on 10/29/24 at Dayton Raceway, Mr. Henry did rein in (grabbed up) before the finish and failed to use his utmost exertion to obtain a winning performance. This action is against the best interest of horse racing. A hearing was held with the Judges on 11/02/24. Mr. Henry is fined $1000, given a 365 day driving suspension from 11/09/2024 thru 11/08/2025, and referred to the OSRC for any further action they may deem appropriate, OR a $1000 fine and a 180 day driving suspension from 11/09/2024 thru 05/07/2025, if not appealed. Mr. Henry has 10 days to pay the fine. Mr. Henry has 48 hours to appeal this decision to the OSRC. Status as of 6/2/2025 - Subsequent Ruling - On May 13, 2025, the Ohio State Racing Commission unanimously approved the Hearing Officer's Report and Recommendation to uphold the Judges ruling 24-DAY-59 that fined Mr. Henry $1000 and suspended him from driving for 365 days. The driving suspension will now run from May 29, 2025 through May 28, 2026. The fine is due within 10 days of this ruling.

 

BATESON, CASE A CANNONSBURG, PA YOB 2001

Mea on 5/31/2025 FINED: $200 EXCESSIVE OR INDISCRIMINATE USE OF WHIP PA Code Title 7: 205.409(c) Mr. Bateson raised his whipping arm above shoulder level and used his whip with more than elbow and wrist action driving #1, YO YO MEXICO in The Meadows` fifth race on May 31, 2025. Mr. Bateson is fined $200 (fines are due within ten days of ruling) and has waived his hearing/appeal rights

 

INDOF, JEREMY F BELLE VERNON, PA YOB 1996

OAKGR on 5/25/2025 FINED: $500 USING THE WHIP IN UNCONVENTIONAL MANNER Mr. Jeremy Indof was the listed Driver of #2 Picksixking who was in the 5th Race at Oak Grove on 5/25/2025. Mr. Indof did use the whip in an unconventional manner violating 810 KAR 5:070 Section 9 – 3 – B. This is Mr. Indof’s 3rd Violation of this nature in 2025 in the Commonwealth of Kentucky which deems an escalation of penalty. .

 

MACDONALD, ANTHONY A MACEDONIA, OH YOB 1976

Mea on 5/30/2025 FINED: $200 EXCESSIVE OR INDISCRIMINATE USE OF WHIP PA Code Title 7: 205.409(c) Mr. MacDonald raised his whipping arm above shoulder level driving #8, STONECOLD CRUISER in The Meadows` fourth race on May 30, 2025. Mr. MacDonald is fined $200 (fines are due within ten days of ruling). Appeals are due within ten days of ruling and must be submitted in writing (accompanied by a $750 bond to: The PA State Horse Racing Commission, 2301 N. Cameron St., Room 304, Harrisburg, PA 17110 ATTN: Anthony Salerno

 

NOBLE, DANIEL N XENIA, OH YOB 1983

ScD on 5/30/2025 FINED: $500 INAPPROPRIATE USE OF THE WHIP OSRC 3769-17-17-B&C. While driving #1 Shadows Dancers during the fourth quarter of race 11 on 5/30/25 at Scioto Downs, Mr. Noble did whip the horse using an exaggerated manner and other than wrist and elbow action. This is Mr. Noble`s 2nd whipping offense in the last 365 days. Mr. Noble is fined $750, or $500 if not appealed which is due within 10 days of this ruling. Mr. Noble has 48 hours to appeal this decision to the OSRC.

 

MACDONALD, ANTHONY A MACEDONIA, OH YOB 1976

Mea on 5/23/2025 FINED: $100 INSIDE THE EURO RAIL / PYLON VIOLATION

Nfld on 6/1/2025 FINED: $200 HORSE PLACED 2 CHANGING COURSE/CAUSING INTERFERENCE

 

VERRUSO, ANTHONY JOHN WHITESTONE, NY YOB 1963

PcD on 6/1/2025 FINED: $200 HORSE PLACED 4 CHANGING COURSE/CAUSING INTERFERENCE

Quote from talkinghorse on June 13, 2025, 11:27 AM

FAS Rulings for Friday, June 13, 2025

NOTABLES:  

MERRIMAN, AARON E

Nfld on 5/14/2025 BAD CHECK NORTHFIELD, OH FINED: $100 YOB 1978 Mr. Merriman issued two checks one on 5/5/25 and one on 5/14/25 for fines to OSRC and both checks were returned for non-sufficient funds. Mr. Merriman is hereby fined $50.00 for each check. O.S.R.C.-3769-12-26 (A) (6) The fine has been paid.

 

CASE, WALTER H JR RICHMOND, ME YOB 1961

CUMB on 6/6/2025 FINED: $100 FAILURE TO SET AND MAINTAIN A PROPER PACE

 

PAGE, CHRIS L DELAWARE, OH YOB 1983

ScD on 6/6/2025 FINED: $350 HORSE PLACED 5 IMPEDING THE PROGRESS OF ANOTHER HORSE

ScD on 6/11/2025 FINED: $100 INSIDE THE EURO RAIL / PYLON VIOLATION

 

SVANSTEDT, AKE WRIGHTSTOWN, NJ YOB 1958

PcD on 6/1/2025 FINED: $200 FAILURE TO SET AND MAINTAIN A PROPER PACE

 

VERRUSO, ANTHONY JOHN WHITESTONE, NY YOB 1963

PcD on 6/1/2025 FINED: $200 HORSE PLACED 4

CHANGING COURSE/CAUSING INTERFERENCE

Quote from talkinghorse on June 26, 2025, 10:25 AM

FAS Rulings for Friday, June 20, 2025

NOTABLES:

BARTLETT, JASON JAMES

YR on 5/13/2025 GOSHEN, NY FINED: $250 YOB 1981 FULL - 3 DAYS, 5/27/2025 THRU 5/29/2025 EXCESSIVE OR INDISCRIMINATE USE OF WHIP Driver Jason Bartlett, while driving #7 AYR CORLEON GB, in the 4th race at Yonkers Raceway on 5/13/2025, Jason Bartlett did cause injury the horse with his whip. Jason Bartlett is hereby suspended from driving for 3 days and fined the sum of $250.00. This is his 2nd whipping offense in 365 days. Future violations will result in increased penalties. Suspended: 5/27/2025 to 5/29/2025 (3 days) Fined: $250.00

 

KAKALEY, MATTHEW DON MOUNTAIN TOP, PA YOB 1988

YR on 5/27/2025 FINED: $100 INAPPROPRIATE USE OF THE WHIP Driver Mathew Kakaley is hereby assessed a fine of $100.00 for using his whip more than 3 times in succession without giving the horse time to respond while driving #4 Boiling Oar in the 7th race at Yonkers Raceway on 5/27/2025. (First Offense in this Category in 365 days). Future violations of this nature will result in increased penalties

 

NAPOLITANO, ANTHONY J NESCOPECK, PA YOB 1981

YR on 5/19/2025 FINED: $1,000 DRIVING - 15 DAYS, 6/2/2025 THRU 6/16/2025 EXCESSIVE OR INDISCRIMINATE USE OF WHIP On 5/19/2025, in the 1st race at Yonkers Raceway, Anthony Napolitano, as the driver of #5 TOBINS CHESTER, violated the whipping rule by using more than forearm and wrist action. Having reviewed previous penalties (4th offense in the category in 365 days). Anthony Napolitano is hereby fined $1000.00 and suspended 15 days 06/2/2025 through 06/16/2025. Future violations may result in increased penalties. (this is a driving suspension only).

 

MERRIMAN, AARON E NORTHFIELD, OH YOB 1978

Nfld on 6/9/2025 FINED: $200 TALKING ON THE RACE TRACK

ScD on 6/19/2025 FINED: $100 TALKING ON THE RACE TRACK

 

PALONE, DAVID M WASHINGTON, PA YOB 1962

Mea on 6/5/2025 FINED: $200 KICKING A HORSE

Quote from talkinghorse on June 29, 2025, 10:53 AM

FAS Rulings for Friday, June 27, 2025

NOTABLES:

BECKWITH, BRETT M WILTON, NY YOB 2003

BR on 6/25/2025 FINED: $250
OFFENSIVE/PROFANE LANGUAGE
Brett Beckwith was heard using profane language after the 6th Race at Buffalo Raceway.

 

INDOF, JEREMY F BELLE VERNON, PA YOB 1996

Mea on 6/11/2025 FINED: $200
EXCESSIVE OR INDISCRIMINATE USE OF WHIP
PA Code Title 7: 205.409(c) Mr. Indof raised his whipping arm above shoulder level driving
#5, BETTING BOX in The Meadows` third race on June 11, 2025. Mr. Indof is fined $200
(fines are due within ten days of ruling) and has waived his hearing/appeal rights.

Nfld on 6/15/2025 FINED: $300
INAPPROPRIATE USE OF THE WHIP
While driving #8 Modern Day in race 15 on 6/15/25 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. Indof first offense within 365 days in Ohio. Mr. Indof
waived his right to a hearing and is hereby fined $500. The penalty will be reduced to a fine
of $300 if not appealed. O.S.R.C.-3769-17-17 (B) & (C) The fine must be paid by 6/28/25.

 

MACDONALD, ANTHONY A MACEDONIA, OH YOB 1976

Mea on 6/4/2025 FINED: $100
FAILURE TO SET AND MAINTAIN A PROPER PACE

Quote from talkinghorse on July 4, 2025, 9:33 PM

FAS Rulings for Friday, July 4, 2025

NOTABLES:

BROWN, CHRIS A CHARLESTON, IL YOB 1973

Rshvl on 7/1/2025 FINED: $1,000
FULL - 30 DAYS, 7/4/2025 THRU 8/2/2025
APPEALED - 7/3/2025
ASSAULT AND BATTERY UPON ANOTHER PARTICIPANT LICENSEE
Driver/trainer Chris Brown is issued a $1,000 fine and 30-day full suspension (July 4, 2025
through and including August 2, 2025) for violation of USTA Rules 20.01 (Improper
Language by Participants) and 20.02 (Commit Assault or Battery). After the 9th race on
July 1, 2025 at the Schuyler County Fair in Rushville, IL, Mr. Brown struck another licensee
with a head pole on the backstretch and used improper language. This is Mr. Brown’s
second offense of this nature in the past two weeks.
Status as of 7/3/2025 - Appeal - The fine and suspension of Chris Brown have been
appealed to the District 5 Board of Review.

 

NOBLE, DANIEL N XENIA, OH YOB 1983

ScD on 6/26/2025 FINED: $1,000
DRIVING - 7 DAYS, 6/28/2025 THRU 7/4/2025
HORSE PLACED 10
TAKE UP ABRUPTLY/SIT DOWN IN FRONT OF HORSES CAUSING CONFUSION
AMONG TRAILING HORSES
OSRC 3769-17-11-A(7&9). While driving #1 Fabio Hanover during the 2nd quarter in race
15 on 6/26/25 in race 15 at Scioto Downs, Mr. Noble did carelessly take up abruptly while
on the lead and caused confusion to trailing horses. #1 finished 1st, was placed 10th. Mr.
Noble is fined $1000 and given a 15 day driving suspension, or a $1000 fine and a 7 day
driving suspension (06/28/2025-07/04/2025) if not appealed, which is due within 10 days of
this ruling. Mr. Noble has 48 hours to appeal this decision to the OSRC.

 

BEELER, PATRICK L NORTHFIELD, OH YOB 1968

Nfld on 6/25/2025 FINED: $300
INAPPROPRIATE USE OF THE WHIP
While driving #1 Mister Marvalous in race 1 on 6/25/25 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. Mr. Beeler had a hearing with the judges on 6/28/25 at
Northfield Park. He is hereby fined $500. The penalty will be reduced to a fine of $300 if not
appealed. This is Mr. Beeler first whipping offense within 365 days in Ohio. O.S.R.C.-3769-
17-17 (B) & (C) The fine must be paid by 7/8/25.

 

LUNA, MARVIN ALFREDO LEXINGTON, KY YOB 2001

HoP on 6/20/2025 FINED: $2,000
DRIVING - 15 DAYS, 7/3/2025 THRU 7/17/2025
EXCESSIVE OR INDISCRIMINATE USE OF WHIP
71 IAC 7-3-13(d)(5) While driving No. 2 COWBOY COOL in race 3 at Hoosier Park on June
20, 2025 driver Marvin Luna was found to be in violation of Indiana Horse Racing
Commission whipping rules. For this violation Mr. Luna is fined $2000.00 which is due
within seven days of this ruling. Mr. Luna is also issued a 15-day suspension, from driving
only. This suspension is from July 3, 2025 through July 17, 2025 (inclusive). Mr. Luna had a
hearing with the judges on June 26, 2025. This is Mr. Luna/s third such offense of the 2025
Hoosier Park race meet.

 

PAGE, CHRIS L DELAWARE, OH YOB 1983

ScD on 6/28/2025 FINED: $500
INAPPROPRIATE USE OF THE WHIP
OSRC 3769-17-17-B. While driving #2 Twenty Five during the stretch in race 14 on 6/28/25
at Scioto Downs, Mr. Page did whip the horse using other than wrist and elbow action. This
is Mr. Page`s 2nd whipping offense in the last 365 days. Mr. Page is fined $750, or $500 if
not appealed, which is due within 10 days of this ruling. Mr. Page has 48 hours to appeal
this decision to the OSRC.

 

MERRIMAN, AARON E NORTHFIELD, OH YOB 1978

Nfld on 6/22/2025 FINED: $100
INSIDE THE EURO RAIL / PYLON VIOLATION

Nfld on 6/25/2025 FINED: $100
INSIDE THE EURO RAIL / PYLON VIOLATION

Nfld on 6/25/2025 FINED: $100
INSIDE THE EURO RAIL / PYLON VIOLATION

Nfld on 6/29/2025 FINED: $100
INSIDE THE EURO RAIL / PYLON VIOLATION

 

MILLER, BRETT A COLUMBUS, OH YOB 1973

ScD on 6/27/2025 FINED: $100
INSIDE THE EURO RAIL / PYLON VIOLATION

ScD on 6/28/2025 FINED: $100
TALKING ON THE RACE TRACK

Quote from talkinghorse on July 11, 2025, 11:01 AM

FAS Rulings for Friday, July 11, 2025

NOTABLES:

STALBAUM, LARRY D MATAMORAS, PA YOB 1963

Stga on 5/20/2025 DRIVING - 30 DAYS, 5/26/2025 THRU 6/24/2025
KICKING A HORSE
In the 6th Race on 05/20/2025 at Saratoga Raceway while driving #5 "SS SUPERSTAR"
Larry Stalbaum, between the 1/4 mile pole and the 1/2 mile pole, did violate the kicking
rule. Larry Stalbaum is suspended 30 days (driving only) 05/26/2025 through 06/24/2025.
This is Larry Stalbaum’s first violation of this rule within 365 days. Additional violations may
result in increased penalties.

 

BENDER, ATLEE E NOBLESVILLE, IN YOB 1992

HoP on 6/26/2025 FINED: $300
EXCESSIVE OR INDISCRIMINATE USE OF WHIP
71 IAC 7-3-13(d)(5) While driving No. 3 PONDA ROCKY in race 8 at Hoosier Park on June
26, 2025 driver Atlee Bender was found to be in violation of Indiana Horse Racing
Commission whipping rules. For this violation Mr. Bender is fined $300.00 (second violation
of the 2025 race meet) which is due within seven days of this ruling. Mr. Bender appeared
before the judges on July 2, 2025 to discuss this violation.

 

SCHNITTKER, RAYMOND W MIDDLETOWN, NY YOB 1958

YR on 6/27/2025 FINED: $100
EXCESSIVE OR INDISCRIMINATE USE OF WHIP
Driver Raymond Schnittker is hereby assessed a fine of $100.00 for using his whip more
than 3 times in succession without giving the horse time to respond while driving #2 SHES
A SHOE IN, in the 3rd race at Yonkers Raceway on 6/27/2025. (First Offense in this
Category in 365 days). Future violations of this nature will result in increased penalties.

 

ANGUS, TYLER C SAGAMORE HILLS, OH YOB 2002

Nfld on 6/28/2025 FINED: $100
INSIDE THE EURO RAIL / PYLON VIOLATION
Nfld on 7/2/2025 FINED: $200
HORSE PLACED 6
INSIDE THE EURO RAIL / PYLON VIOLATION

 

IRVINE, JUSTIN D AURORA, OH YOB 2001

Nfld on 6/28/2025 FINED: $100
INSIDE THE EURO RAIL / PYLON VIOLATION

Nfld on 6/30/2025 FINED: $200
HORSE PLACED 5
CHANGING COURSE/CAUSING INTERFERENCE

Nfld on 7/5/2025 FINED: $100
INSIDE THE EURO RAIL / PYLON VIOLATION

Nfld on 7/7/2025 FINED: $200
HORSE PLACED 3
INSIDE THE EURO RAIL / PYLON VIOLATION

 

MERRIMAN, AARON E NORTHFIELD, OH YOB 1978

Nfld on 6/29/2025 FINED: $100
INSIDE THE EURO RAIL / PYLON VIOLATION

Nfld on 6/30/2025 FINED: $100
INSIDE THE EURO RAIL / PYLON VIOLATION

ScD on 7/5/2025 FINED: $100
FAILURE TO DRIVE WHEN PROGRAMMED

 

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

Mea on 6/20/2025 FINED: $200
HORSE PLACED 8
CHANGING COURSE/CAUSING INTERFERENCE

Quote from talkinghorse on July 18, 2025, 11:21 AM

FAS Rulings for Friday, July 18, 2025

NOTABLES:

BONGIORNO, JOSEPH R MONROE, NJ YOB 1993

YR on 6/27/2024 FINED: $250
DRIVING - 3 DAYS, 7/14/2025 THRU 7/16/2025
EXCESSIVE OR INDISCRIMINATE USE OF WHIP
On 6/27/2025, in the 4th race at Yonkers Raceway, Joseph Bongiorno, as the driver of #2
FANSVILLE, violated the whipping rule by using more than forearm and wrist action.
Having reviewed previous penalties (2nd offense in the category in 365 days). Joseph
Bongiorno is hereby fined $250.00 and suspended 3 days 7/14/2025 through 7/16/2025.
Future violations may result in increased penalties. (this is a driving suspension only)

 

LAKE, DAVID R JACKSON, MI YOB 1970

BgRpd on 7/7/2025 FINED: $100
EXCESSIVE OR INDISCRIMINATE USE OF WHIP
While driving HAR LEE LESLIE in the 3rd race at Big Rapids, MI on 7/7/25, driver David
Lake violated USTA Rule 18.08(b)(4) (prohibitions on urging), using a whip on a horse
when the horse was not reasonably advancing. Mr. Lake is fined $100 which must be paid
within 10 days of this rulings. Any further whipping violations will result in a driving
suspension and additional fines.

Hstng on 7/12/2025 FINED: $250
DRIVING - 3 DAYS, 7/13/2025 THRU 7/19/2025
EXCESSIVE OR INDISCRIMINATE USE OF WHIP
While driving SUPER GIRL POWER in the 6th race at the Barry County Fair in Hastings, MI
on 7/12/25, Mr. David Lake violated USTA Rule 18.08(b)(1) (prohibitions on urging) with
excessive/indiscriminate use of the whip, causing visible injury to the stifle. Mr. Lake is
given a 3-day driving suspension (days to be served on July 13 and July 18-19, 2025) and
a $250 fine, which is due within 10 days of this ruling. This is Mr. Lake`s second offense of
this nature in 60 days.

 

MCCARTHY, TODD P BORDENTOWN, NJ YOB 1993

OAKGR on 7/14/2025 FINED: $250
USING THE WHIP IN UNCONVENTIONAL MANNER
Mr. Todd McCarthy was the listed driver of #1 Nash who was in the 3rd race at Oak Grove
on 7/14/2025. Mr. McCarthy did use the whip in an unconventional manner violating 810
KAR 5:070 Section 9 – 3 – B. This is Mr. McCarthy’s 1st such violation in the
Commonwealth of Kentucky in 2025.

 

ANGUS, TYLER C SAGAMORE HILLS, OH YOB 2002

Nfld on 7/12/2025 FINED: $100
FAILURE TO OBEY THE INSTRUCTIONS OF A RACING OFFICIAL

 

BECKWITH, BRETT M WILTON, NY YOB 2003

Stga on 5/11/2025 DRIVING - 3 DAYS, 5/20/2025 THRU 5/22/2025
CHANGING COURSE/CAUSING INTERFERENCE