PSA: [Drivers] Fines and Suspensions

Quote from talkinghorse on October 11, 2025, 9:34 AM

FAS Rulings for Friday, October 10, 2025

NOTABLES:

IRVINE, JUSTIN D AURORA, OH YOB 2001

Nfld on 10/3/2025 FINED: $300
INAPPROPRIATE USE OF THE WHIP
While driving #6 Mo Bay in race #12 on 10/3/25 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. Irvine 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. Irvine first whipping offense in
the last 365 days. O.S.R.C.-3769-17-17 (B)&(C) The fine must be paid by 10/14/25.

 

NAPOLITANO, GEORGE JR BOCA RATON, FL YOB 1966

PHL on 9/21/2025 FINED: $500
EXCESSIVE OR INDISCRIMINATE USE OF WHIP
PA Code Title 7-205.409(c) George Napolitano Jr did have an exaggerated whipping
motion not restricted to elbow and wrist action only and did raise his arm above shoulder
height in the stretch while driving #3 DANCE IT OUT in the 11th race on 9/21/25 at
Harrah’s Philadelphia Racetrack. Mr. Napolitano Is fined $500 and issued a five-day driving
suspension. Mr. Napolitano`s fine and suspension will be served sometime after October
9th.This is Mr. Napolitano`s eighth whipping violation in 2025. Future whipping violations
will result in more severe penalties. (FINES ARE DUE WITHIN TEN DAYS OF THIS
RULING) Mr. Napolitano has ten days to appeal this decision to the PSHRC, Bureau of
Standardbred Racing. The address to appeal is 2301 N. Cameron St. Harrisburg, PA.
17110.

 

PALONE, DAVID M WASHINGTON, PA YOB 1962

Mea on 10/2/2025 FINED: $250
FAILURE TO KEEP A LINE IN EACH HAND
PA Code Title 7: 205.401(13) 205.421(c)(1) Mr. Palone used his whip in a one-handed
fashion, after the finish, driving #7, RIVER NESS in The Meadows` 11th race on October 2,
2025. Mr. Palone is fined $250 (fines are due within ten days of ruling) and has waived his
hearing/appeal rights.

Mea on 10/1/2025 FINED: $200
HORSE PLACED 5
PASSING LANE VIOLATION

 

AHLE, JOHNATHAN P MANCHESTER, NJ YOB 1997

PcD on 10/4/2025 FINED: $250
FAILURE TO SET AND MAINTAIN A PROPER PACE

RcR on 10/6/2025 FINED: $150
FAILURE TO CONTROL HORSE

 

ANGUS, TYLER C SAGAMORE HILLS, OH YOB 2002

Nfld on 10/1/2025 FINED: $100
INSIDE THE EURO RAIL / PYLON VIOLATION

Nfld on 10/5/2025 FINED: $100
INSIDE THE EURO RAIL / PYLON VIOLATION

 

KAKALEY, MATTHEW DON MOUNTAIN TOP, PA YOB 1988

PcD on 9/27/2025 FINED: $100
FAILURE TO SET AND MAINTAIN A PROPER PACE

 

MACDONALD, ANTHONY A MACEDONIA, OH YOB 1976

Nfld on 10/5/2025 FINED: $200
HORSE PLACED 7
CHANGING COURSE/CAUSING INTERFERENCE

 

MILLER, BRETT A COLUMBUS, OH YOB 1973

DTN on 10/4/2025 FINED: $100
INSIDE THE EURO RAIL / PYLON VIOLATION

DTN on 10/7/2025 FINED: $200
HORSE PLACED 5
INSIDE THE EURO RAIL / PYLON VIOLATION

 

NAPOLITANO, GEORGE JR BOCA RATON, FL YOB 1966

PHL on 9/28/2025 FINED: $200
CHANGING COURSE/CAUSING INTERFERENCE

Quote from talkinghorse on October 18, 2025, 12:58 AM

FAS Rulings for Friday, October 17, 2025

NOTABLES:

PALONE, DAVID M WASHINGTON, PA YOB 1962

Mea on 10/2/2025 FINED: $250
FAILURE TO KEEP A LINE IN EACH HAND
PA Code Title 7: 205.401(13) 205.421(c)(1) Mr. Palone used his whip in a one-handed
fashion, after the finish, driving #7, RIVER NESS in The Meadows` 11th race on October 2,
2025. Mr. Palone is fined $250 (fines are due within ten days of ruling) and has waived his
hearing/appeal rights.

 

PAQUET, FERNAND A JR MIDDLETOWN, NY YOB 1968

MR on 10/1/2025 FINED: $100
EXCESSIVE OR INDISCRIMINATE USE OF WHIP
Rule 4117.8 (C) (3) Driver Fern Paquet is hereby assessed a fine of $100.00 for failing to
restrict the use of the whip to forearm and wrist action only while driving the horse
CIRCLING THE PREY, in the 2nd race at Monticello Raceway on October 1, 2025. (This
violation constitutes a 1st violation in this category in a 365-day period.) Further violations
in this category will result in increased penalties.

 

DAY, JAMES E MEDINA, OH YOB 1996

Nfld on 10/10/2025 FINED: $350
HORSE PLACED 8
CHANGING COURSE/CAUSING INTERFERENCE

Nfld on 10/11/2025 FINED: $200
HORSE PLACED 5
INSIDE THE EURO RAIL / PYLON VIOLATION

 

HANNERS, AUSTIN B FRANKFORT, OH YOB 1999

DTN on 10/14/2025 FINED: $100
PASSING LANE VIOLATION

DTN on 10/14/2025 FINED: $200
HORSE PLACED 8
PASSING LANE VIOLATION

 

HANNERS, LUKE CHILLICOTHE, OH YOB 2000

DTN on 10/9/2025 FINED: $200
FAILURE TO DRIVE WHEN PROGRAMMED

DTN on 10/14/2025 FINED: $200
HORSE PLACED 8
PASSING LANE VIOLATION

 

MACDONALD, ANTHONY A MACEDONIA, OH YOB 1976

Nfld on 10/5/2025 FINED: $200
HORSE PLACED 7
CHANGING COURSE/CAUSING INTERFERENCE

Nfld on 10/12/2025 FINED: $100
INSIDE THE EURO RAIL / PYLON VIOLATION

 

MERRIMAN, AARON E NORTHFIELD, OH YOB 1978

Mea on 10/10/2025 FINED: $200
HORSE PLACED 6
INSIDE THE EURO RAIL / PYLON VIOLATION

Nfld on 10/12/2025 FINED: $200
HORSE PLACED 5
INSIDE THE EURO RAIL / PYLON VIOLATION

 

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

Mea on 10/10/2025 FINED: $100
FAILURE TO SET AND MAINTAIN A PROPER PACE

Quote from talkinghorse on October 25, 2025, 3:28 PM

FAS Rulings for Friday, October 24, 2025

NOTABLES:

BENDER, ATLEE E NOBLESVILLE, IN YOB 1992

HoP on 10/10/2025 FINED: $400
EXCESSIVE OR INDISCRIMINATE USE OF WHIP
71 IAC 7-3-13(d)(5) While driving No. 2 SPECIAL PETE in race 5 at Hoosier Park on
October 10, 2025 driver Atlee Bender was found to be in violation of the IHRC whipping
rules. For this violation Mr. Bender is fined $400.00 which is due within seven days of this
ruling. Mr. Bender waived his right to a hearing and accepted the penalty.

 

CHINDANO, JOSEPH J SR. LARGO, FL YOB 1962

MR on 10/16/2025 FINED: $100
EXCESSIVE OR INDISCRIMINATE USE OF WHIP
Rule 4117.8(D)(2) & 4117.8(H)(2). Driver Joseph Chindano Sr. is hereby assessed a fine of
$100.00 for using the whip in an excessive manner, using the whip more than 3 times in
succession without giving the horse time to respond, while driving SOUTHWIND RODAN in
the 6th race on October 16, 2025, at Monticello Raceway. (This constitutes a 1st violation in
this category in a 365-day period.) Further violations in this category will result in increased
penalties.

 

HANNERS, LUKE CHILLICOTHE, OH YOB 2000

DTN on 10/22/2025 FINED: $500
EXCESSIVE OR INDISCRIMINATE USE OF WHIP
OSRC 3769-17-18. Mr. Hanners did whip the horse, #4 Hagrid, repeatedly after the finish of
the qualifier on 10/22/25 at Dayton Raceway. This is Mr. Hanners 2nd whipping violation in
the last 365 days. Mr. Hanners is fined $750, the penalty will be reduced to $500 if not
appealed. Mr. Hanners has 48 hours to appeal this decision to the OSRC.

 

ANGUS, TYLER C SAGAMORE HILLS, OH YOB 2002

Nfld on 10/15/2025 FINED: $100
INSIDE THE EURO RAIL / PYLON VIOLATION

Nfld on 10/17/2025 FINED: $100
INSIDE THE EURO RAIL / PYLON VIOLATION

Nfld on 10/18/2025 FINED: $100
INSIDE THE EURO RAIL / PYLON VIOLATION

 

MERRIMAN, AARON E NORTHFIELD, OH YOB 1978

Mea on 10/10/2025 FINED: $200
HORSE PLACED 6
INSIDE THE EURO RAIL / PYLON VIOLATION

Nfld on 10/17/2025 FINED: $100
INSIDE THE EURO RAIL / PYLON VIOLATION

 

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

Mea on 10/10/2025 FINED: $100
FAILURE TO SET AND MAINTAIN A PROPER PACE

Quote from Lonnie on October 25, 2025, 3:29 PM

"FAILURE TO SET AND MAINTAIN A PROPER PACE"

I think that this is the most ridiculous fine ever... The other drivers in the race should be fined for not moving.  SMH.

Quote from Bgtolex25 on October 25, 2025, 6:45 PM

Unless it is an extreme slow down, where I have seen a near pile up, I agree.

Quote from talkinghorse on October 31, 2025, 9:16 AM

FAS Rulings for Friday, October 31, 2025

NOTABLES:

IRVINE, JUSTIN D AURORA, OH YOB 2001

Nfld on 10/22/2025 FINED: $500
INAPPROPRIATE USE OF THE WHIP
While driving #3 Long Tom Jess in race #8 on 10/22/25 he did whipped the horse in an
exaggerated manner by raising his whipping arm above shoulder height and using more
than elbow and wrist action. Mr. Irvine waived his right to a hearing and is hereby fined
$750. This is Mr. Irvine second whipping offense in the last 365 days. The penalty will be
reduced to a fine of $500 if not appealed. O.S.R.C.-3769-17-17 (B)&(C) The fine must be
paid by 11/02/25.

 

BARTLETT, JASON JAMES GOSHEN, NY YOB 1981

YR on 10/15/2025 DRIVING - 3 DAYS, 10/28/2025 THRU 10/30/2025
HORSE PLACED 5
CHANGING COURSE/CAUSING INTERFERENCE

 

BECKWITH, BRETT M WILTON, NY YOB 2003

PcD on 10/18/2025 FINED: $100
JOSTLE, STRIKE OR HOOK WHEELS

PcD on 10/25/2025 FINED: $200
TAKE UP ABRUPTLY/SIT DOWN IN FRONT OF HORSES CAUSING CONFUSION
AMONG TRAILING HORSES

 

KAKALEY, MATTHEW DON MOUNTAIN TOP, PA YOB 1988

PcD on 10/18/2025 FINED: $100
FAILURE TO SET AND MAINTAIN A PROPER PACE

PcD on 10/25/2025 FINED: $100
FAILURE TO SET AND MAINTAIN A PROPER PACE

 

KASH, KEITH J JR MEDINA, OH YOB 1979

Nfld on 10/19/2025 FINED: $350
HORSE PLACED 9
CHANGING COURSE/CAUSING INTERFERENCE

Nfld on 10/21/2025 FINED: $100
INSIDE THE EURO RAIL / PYLON VIOLATION

Quote from talkinghorse on November 8, 2025, 11:05 AM

FAS Rulings for Friday, November 7, 2025

NOTABLES:

CURTIN, PATRICK M KEVIL, KY YOB 1981

CBRN on 11/3/2025 DRIVING - 2 DAYS, 3/23/2026 THRU 3/24/2026
USING THE WHIP IN UNCONVENTIONAL MANNER
Mr. Patrick Curtin was the listed driver of #3 Odds On UFO who was in the 2nd race at
Cumberland Run on 11/3/2025. Mr. Curtin did use the whip in an unconventional manner
by allowing his arm and shoulder to raise above his head violating 810 KAR 5:070 Section
9 – 3 – B. Mr. Curtin has multiple violations of this nature and his hereby suspended 2
Driving Days to start the 2026 Season at OAK GROVE on 3/23/2026 ? 3/24/2026. Further
Violations of this nature may result in escalated penalties from that point.

 

BECKWITH, BRETT M WILTON, NY YOB 2003

PcD on 10/25/2025 FINED: $200
TAKE UP ABRUPTLY/SIT DOWN IN FRONT OF HORSES CAUSING CONFUSION
AMONG TRAILING HORSES

 

BENDER, ATLEE E NOBLESVILLE, IN YOB 1992

HoP on 10/31/2025 FINED: $100
FAILURE TO COME UP/STAY IN POSITION

 

MERRIMAN, AARON E NORTHFIELD, OH YOB 1978

Nfld on 10/28/2025 FINED: $100
INSIDE THE EURO RAIL / PYLON VIOLATION

Nfld on 11/3/2025 FINED: $100
INSIDE THE EURO RAIL / PYLON VIOLATION

 

NOBLE, DANIEL N XENIA, OH YOB 1983

Nfld on 11/3/2025 FINED: $100
INSIDE THE EURO RAIL / PYLON VIOLATION

 

SVANSTEDT, AKE WRIGHTSTOWN, NJ YOB 1958

PcD on 10/27/2025 FINED: $200
HORSE PLACED 6
INSIDE THE EURO RAIL / PYLON VIOLATION

PcD on 10/28/2025 FINED: $200
FAILURE TO DRIVE WHEN PROGRAMMED

Quote from talkinghorse on November 16, 2025, 12:38 AM

FAS Rulings for Friday, November 14, 2025

NOTABLES:

PAQUET, FERNAND A JR MIDDLETOWN, NY YOB 1968

PRc on 11/11/2025 FINED: $250
DRIVING - 1 DAY, 11/14/2025 THRU 11/14/2025
EXCESSIVE OR INDISCRIMINATE USE OF WHIP
USTA Rule 18.00 S18.08 (b) 2. On 11/11/2025 at PRC, while driving No.2 SWEET SALLY
SUE in Race 5, driver Fern Paquet, Jr. was observed using his whip in an excessive
manner, striking the horse 6 consecutive times in the stretch, failing to pause after three
strikes (1st offense). As a result of the violation, Mr. Paquet is hereby fined the sum of
$250.00. In addition, Mr. Paquet is suspended from driving for one day, Friday, November
14, 2025. Subsequent violations of this nature will result in increased penalties. All fines are
payable within 48 hours of imposition.

 

IRVINE, JUSTIN D AURORA, OH YOB 2001

Nfld on 11/10/2025 FINED: $100
TALKING ON THE RACE TRACK

 

MERRIMAN, AARON E NORTHFIELD, OH YOB 1978

Nfld on 11/3/2025 FINED: $100
INSIDE THE EURO RAIL / PYLON VIOLATION

Nfld on 11/10/2025 FINED: $100
TALKING ON THE RACE TRACK

Quote from talkinghorse on November 21, 2025, 3:24 PM

FAS Rulings for Friday, November 21, 2025

NOTABLES:

LAKE, DAVID R JACKSON, MI YOB 1970
Mdlnd on 8/8/2025 FINED: $1,000
DRIVING - 11 DAYS, 11/20/2025 THRU
11/30/2025
EXCESSIVE OR INDISCRIMINATE USE OF WHIP
Mr. David Lake, while driving SUPER GIRL POWER in race 3, did use the whip more than
three times in succession, which is a violation of USTA Rule 18.08(b)(3). This is Mr. Lake`s
4th offense in 60 days. He is fined $1,000 and suspended 15 days, August 14 through and
including August 28, 2025. The fine of $1,000 must be paid within 10 days.
Status as of 11/18/2025 - Subsequent Ruling - It is the decision of the District 2 Board
of Review to deny the appeal of the $1,000 fine and 15-day suspension that was
assigned to Mr. David Lake for violation of USTA Rule 18.08(b)(3) while driving
SUPER GIRL POWER in the 3rd race at Midland, Michigan on August 8, 2025. Per the
direction of the District 2 Board of Directors as provided by Article 7.02 of the
Association bylaws, the $1,000 fine is due within 10 days of this notice. Credit will be
given for four driving days suspension already served; the remaining 11 days
suspension will be Thursday, November 20, 2025 through and including Sunday,
November 30, 2025.

 

MACDONALD, ANTHONY A MACEDONIA, OH YOB 1976

Nfld on 11/12/2025 FINED: $200
HORSE PLACED 4
INSIDE THE EURO RAIL / PYLON VIOLATION

Nfld on 11/16/2025 FINED: $100
INSIDE THE EURO RAIL / PYLON VIOLATION

Nfld on 11/17/2025 FINED: $100
INSIDE THE EURO RAIL / PYLON VIOLATION

 

MERRIMAN, AARON E NORTHFIELD, OH YOB 1978

Nfld on 11/10/2025 FINED: $100
TALKING ON THE RACE TRACK

Nfld on 11/16/2025 FINED: $100
INSIDE THE EURO RAIL / PYLON VIOLATION

Nfld on 11/17/2025 FINED: $200
HORSE PLACED 7
CHANGING COURSE/CAUSING INTERFERENCE