PSA: [Drivers] Fines and Suspensions
Quote from talkinghorse on July 24, 2026, 11:29 AMFAS Rulings for Friday, July 24, 2026
NOTABLES:
BECKWITH, BRETT M WILTON, NY YOB 2003
PRc on 7/16/2026 FINED: $100 TALKING ON THE RACE TRACK
PRc on 7/16/2026 FINED: $100 SLOW QUARTER/HALF
MILLER, BRETT A COLUMBUS, OH YOB 1973
ScD on 7/18/2026 FINED: $300 INAPPROPRIATE USE OF THE WHIP OSRC 3769-17-17-B. While driving #3 Sangria Summer during the stretch in race 11 on 7/18/26 at Scioto Downs, Mr. Miller did whip the horse using other than wrist and elbow action. Mr. Miller is fined $500, the penalty will be reduced to $300 if not appealed, which is due within 10 days of this ruling. Mr. Miller has 48 hours to appeal this decision to the OSRC.
NOBLE, DANIEL N
Nfld on 7/5/2026 XENIA, OH FINED: $1,000 YOB 1983 DRIVING - 7 DAYS, 7/22/2026 THRU 7/28/2026 UNSATISFACTORY DRIVE -LACK OF EFFORT While driving #3 Catch The Express in race #12 on 7/5/26. Mr. Noble failed to take advantage of racing opportunities that may have helped his horse obtain a winning performance. Mr. Noble had a hearing with the judges at Northfield Park on 7/6/26. He is hereby fined $1000 and suspended from driving for 20 days. The penalty will be reduced to a fine of $1000 and 7 days driving suspension if not appealed. O.S.R.C.-3769-17-11 (D)(1) The fine must be paid by 7/29/26.
PAGE, CHRIS L DELAWARE, OH YOB 1983
ScD on 7/22/2026 FINED: $100 TALKING ON THE RACE TRACK
FAS Rulings for Friday, July 24, 2026
NOTABLES:
BECKWITH, BRETT M WILTON, NY YOB 2003
PRc on 7/16/2026 FINED: $100 TALKING ON THE RACE TRACK
PRc on 7/16/2026 FINED: $100 SLOW QUARTER/HALF
MILLER, BRETT A COLUMBUS, OH YOB 1973
ScD on 7/18/2026 FINED: $300 INAPPROPRIATE USE OF THE WHIP OSRC 3769-17-17-B. While driving #3 Sangria Summer during the stretch in race 11 on 7/18/26 at Scioto Downs, Mr. Miller did whip the horse using other than wrist and elbow action. Mr. Miller is fined $500, the penalty will be reduced to $300 if not appealed, which is due within 10 days of this ruling. Mr. Miller has 48 hours to appeal this decision to the OSRC.
NOBLE, DANIEL N
Nfld on 7/5/2026 XENIA, OH FINED: $1,000 YOB 1983 DRIVING - 7 DAYS, 7/22/2026 THRU 7/28/2026 UNSATISFACTORY DRIVE -LACK OF EFFORT While driving #3 Catch The Express in race #12 on 7/5/26. Mr. Noble failed to take advantage of racing opportunities that may have helped his horse obtain a winning performance. Mr. Noble had a hearing with the judges at Northfield Park on 7/6/26. He is hereby fined $1000 and suspended from driving for 20 days. The penalty will be reduced to a fine of $1000 and 7 days driving suspension if not appealed. O.S.R.C.-3769-17-11 (D)(1) The fine must be paid by 7/29/26.
PAGE, CHRIS L DELAWARE, OH YOB 1983
ScD on 7/22/2026 FINED: $100 TALKING ON THE RACE TRACK
Quote from talkinghorse on July 31, 2026, 11:29 AMFAS Rulings for Friday, July 31, 2026
NOTABLES:
DAVIS, ERIC E
OD on 7/26/2026 HARTLY, DE FINED: $100 INAPPROPRIATE USE OF THE WHIP YOB 1996 Driver Eric Davis is hereby assessed a fine of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) for using exaggerated whipping motions before the ¾ pole while driving ROCKIN COSETTE in the seventh race on July 26, 2026, at Ocean Downs, in violation of COMAR 09.10.02.33H(17)(b). The violation includes failure to restrict whipping movements to wrist action with minimal elbow movement and raising the whipping arm above shoulder height. The fine assessed must be paid within ten (10) days of the issuance of this ruling. Failure to submit payment within this period shall result in the full suspension of the Maryland Racing Commission licensee and will remain in effect until full payment is received.
LUNA, MARVIN ALFREDO
ScD on 7/25/2026 LEXINGTON, KY FINED: $500 INAPPROPRIATE USE OF THE WHIP YOB 2001 OSRC 3769-17-17-L. Mr. Luna was the driver of #6 Myboypank, who finished 1st in race 9 on 7/25/26 at Scioto Downs. #6 was reported by the State Vet to have welts on him while in the test barn. Mr. Luna is fined $750, the penalty will be reduced to $500 if not appealed, which is due within 10 days of this ruling. Mitigating circumstances were considered in this penalty. Mr. Luna has 48 hours to appeal this decision to the OSRC.
MONTI, ANDREW DEPEW, NY YOB 1994
PRc on 7/19/2026 FINED: $250 DRIVING - 1 DAY, 7/30/2026 THRU 7/30/2026 EXCESSIVE OR INDISCRIMINATE USE OF WHIP USTA Rule 18.00 (S18.08) (b) 2. On 07/19/2026 at PRC, driver Drew Monti was observed striking the horse VIRTUAL HORIZON in Race 10 more than three times in succession without giving the horse time to respond to urging. (1st offense). As a result of the violation Mr. Monti is hereby fined the sum of $250.00. In addition, he is suspended from driving only for one day, 07/30/2026. Subsequent violations of this nature will result in increased penalties. All fines are payable within 48 hours of imposition.
RHOADES, BRAIDEN M ASHLAND, OH YOB 2005
Nfld on 7/22/2026 FINED: $750 INAPPROPRIATE USE OF THE WHIP While driving #2 Chromys Rocket in race #12 on 7/22/26 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. Rhoades`s third whipping offense within 365 days. Mr. Rhoades 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 8/2/26.
BARTLETT, JASON JAMES GOSHEN, NY YOB 1981
M on 7/17/2026 FINED: $100 FAILURE TO BE PROPERLY DRESSED
SVANSTEDT, AKE WRIGHTSTOWN, NJ YOB 1958
M on 7/17/2026 FINED: $200 FAILURE TO BE PROPERLY DRESSED
Stga on 7/21/2026 FINED: $200 FAILURE TO DRIVE WHEN PROGRAMMED
FAS Rulings for Friday, July 31, 2026
NOTABLES:
DAVIS, ERIC E
OD on 7/26/2026 HARTLY, DE FINED: $100 INAPPROPRIATE USE OF THE WHIP YOB 1996 Driver Eric Davis is hereby assessed a fine of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) for using exaggerated whipping motions before the ¾ pole while driving ROCKIN COSETTE in the seventh race on July 26, 2026, at Ocean Downs, in violation of COMAR 09.10.02.33H(17)(b). The violation includes failure to restrict whipping movements to wrist action with minimal elbow movement and raising the whipping arm above shoulder height. The fine assessed must be paid within ten (10) days of the issuance of this ruling. Failure to submit payment within this period shall result in the full suspension of the Maryland Racing Commission licensee and will remain in effect until full payment is received.
LUNA, MARVIN ALFREDO
ScD on 7/25/2026 LEXINGTON, KY FINED: $500 INAPPROPRIATE USE OF THE WHIP YOB 2001 OSRC 3769-17-17-L. Mr. Luna was the driver of #6 Myboypank, who finished 1st in race 9 on 7/25/26 at Scioto Downs. #6 was reported by the State Vet to have welts on him while in the test barn. Mr. Luna is fined $750, the penalty will be reduced to $500 if not appealed, which is due within 10 days of this ruling. Mitigating circumstances were considered in this penalty. Mr. Luna has 48 hours to appeal this decision to the OSRC.
MONTI, ANDREW DEPEW, NY YOB 1994
PRc on 7/19/2026 FINED: $250 DRIVING - 1 DAY, 7/30/2026 THRU 7/30/2026 EXCESSIVE OR INDISCRIMINATE USE OF WHIP USTA Rule 18.00 (S18.08) (b) 2. On 07/19/2026 at PRC, driver Drew Monti was observed striking the horse VIRTUAL HORIZON in Race 10 more than three times in succession without giving the horse time to respond to urging. (1st offense). As a result of the violation Mr. Monti is hereby fined the sum of $250.00. In addition, he is suspended from driving only for one day, 07/30/2026. Subsequent violations of this nature will result in increased penalties. All fines are payable within 48 hours of imposition.
RHOADES, BRAIDEN M ASHLAND, OH YOB 2005
Nfld on 7/22/2026 FINED: $750 INAPPROPRIATE USE OF THE WHIP While driving #2 Chromys Rocket in race #12 on 7/22/26 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. Rhoades`s third whipping offense within 365 days. Mr. Rhoades 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 8/2/26.
BARTLETT, JASON JAMES GOSHEN, NY YOB 1981
M on 7/17/2026 FINED: $100 FAILURE TO BE PROPERLY DRESSED
SVANSTEDT, AKE WRIGHTSTOWN, NJ YOB 1958
M on 7/17/2026 FINED: $200 FAILURE TO BE PROPERLY DRESSED
Stga on 7/21/2026 FINED: $200 FAILURE TO DRIVE WHEN PROGRAMMED
Quote from talkinghorse on August 7, 2026, 12:01 PMFAS Rulings for Friday, August 7, 2026
NOTABLES:
BECKWITH, BRETT M
PRc on 8/3/2026 WILTON, NY FINED: $300 INAPPROPRIATE USE OF THE WHIP YOB 2003 Penn Entertainment/PRC Horsemen`s Rule Guide at PRC. On 08/03/2026 at PRC, driver Brett Beckwith did leave welts on the horse RIFLEMAN in Race 4. (1st offense). As a result of the violation Mr. Beckwith is hereby fined the sum of $300.00. Subsequent violations of this nature will result in increased penalties. All fines are payable within 48 hours of imposition.
NISONGER, JEFFREY S LEBANON, OH YOB 1981
Eaton on 8/2/2026 FINED: $500 INAPPROPRIATE USE OF THE WHIP OSRC3769-17-17-B MR Nisonger while driving horse yournodaisyatall at the preble county fair in eaton ohio on 8/2/2026 in the 15th race. Mr Nisonger whipped his horse inappropriately thru out the mile using other than wrist and elbow.Mr Nisonger is fined $750$500 this is his 2nd offence in 365 days.if not appealed,which is do within 10 days of this ruling Mr Nisonger has 48hrs to appeal his decision to the OSRC.
FAS Rulings for Friday, August 7, 2026
NOTABLES:
BECKWITH, BRETT M
PRc on 8/3/2026 WILTON, NY FINED: $300 INAPPROPRIATE USE OF THE WHIP YOB 2003 Penn Entertainment/PRC Horsemen`s Rule Guide at PRC. On 08/03/2026 at PRC, driver Brett Beckwith did leave welts on the horse RIFLEMAN in Race 4. (1st offense). As a result of the violation Mr. Beckwith is hereby fined the sum of $300.00. Subsequent violations of this nature will result in increased penalties. All fines are payable within 48 hours of imposition.
NISONGER, JEFFREY S LEBANON, OH YOB 1981
Eaton on 8/2/2026 FINED: $500 INAPPROPRIATE USE OF THE WHIP OSRC3769-17-17-B MR Nisonger while driving horse yournodaisyatall at the preble county fair in eaton ohio on 8/2/2026 in the 15th race. Mr Nisonger whipped his horse inappropriately thru out the mile using other than wrist and elbow.Mr Nisonger is fined $750$500 this is his 2nd offence in 365 days.if not appealed,which is do within 10 days of this ruling Mr Nisonger has 48hrs to appeal his decision to the OSRC.
Quote from talkinghorse on August 14, 2026, 12:50 PMFAS Rulings for Friday, August 14, 2026
NOTABLES:
CRUSE, BRANDON
PcD on 8/3/2026 MILFORD, DE FINED: $200 EXCESSIVE OR INDISCRIMINATE USE OF WHIP YOB 1994 PA Code 205.409(c) Brandon Cruse was fined $200 for excessive and indiscriminate use of the whip in race 7 on 8/3/2026 at Pocono Downs. Fine must be paid within 10 days of the ruling.
PHL on 8/7/2026 FINED: $500 EXCESSIVE OR INDISCRIMINATE USE OF WHIP PA Code Title 7-205.409(c) Brandon Cruse did have an exaggerated whipping motion not restricted to wrist and elbow action only and did raise his arm above shoulder height at the top of the stretch and in the stretch while driving #7 GIDGET LAUXMONT in the 11th race on 8/7/26 at Harrah’s Philadelphia Racetrack. Mr. Cruse Is fined $500. This is Mr.Cruse`s seventh whipping violation in 2026. Future whipping violations will result in more severe penalties (FINES ARE DUE WITHIN TEN DAYS OF THIS RULING). Mr. Cruse has waived his hearing and appeal rights.
FAS Rulings for Friday, August 14, 2026
NOTABLES:
CRUSE, BRANDON
PcD on 8/3/2026 MILFORD, DE FINED: $200 EXCESSIVE OR INDISCRIMINATE USE OF WHIP YOB 1994 PA Code 205.409(c) Brandon Cruse was fined $200 for excessive and indiscriminate use of the whip in race 7 on 8/3/2026 at Pocono Downs. Fine must be paid within 10 days of the ruling.
PHL on 8/7/2026 FINED: $500 EXCESSIVE OR INDISCRIMINATE USE OF WHIP PA Code Title 7-205.409(c) Brandon Cruse did have an exaggerated whipping motion not restricted to wrist and elbow action only and did raise his arm above shoulder height at the top of the stretch and in the stretch while driving #7 GIDGET LAUXMONT in the 11th race on 8/7/26 at Harrah’s Philadelphia Racetrack. Mr. Cruse Is fined $500. This is Mr.Cruse`s seventh whipping violation in 2026. Future whipping violations will result in more severe penalties (FINES ARE DUE WITHIN TEN DAYS OF THIS RULING). Mr. Cruse has waived his hearing and appeal rights.
Quote from talkinghorse on August 21, 2026, 1:58 PMFAS Rulings for Friday, August 21, 2026
NOTABLES:
LACHANCE, PATRICK D ALLENTOWN, NJ YOB 1975
YR on 8/5/2026 FINED: $100 USING THE WHIP IN UNCONVENTIONAL MANNER On 8/5/2026 in Race 3 at Yonkers Raceway,driver Pat Lachance did whip his horse # 3 Tip Of Time in an exaggerated manor using more than wrist and elbow action.Snce this is the 1st violation in a 365-day period, Pat LaChance is hereby fined the sum of $100.00. Future violations may incur greater penalties.
LUNA, MARVIN ALFREDO LEXINGTON, KY YOB 2001
Lex on 8/17/2026 FINED: $250 USING THE WHIP IN UNCONVENTIONAL MANNER Mr. Marvin Luna was the listed driver of #6 Your Grace who was in the 8th race on 8/17/2026 at The Red Mile. Mr. Luna did use the whip in an unconventional manner violating 810 KAR 5:070 Section 9 – 3 – B.
NOBLE, KOLTIN D XENIA, OH YOB 2004
ScD on 8/15/2026 FINED: $500 INAPPROPRIATE USE OF THE WHIP OSRC 3769-17-17-L. While driving #1 Lakeside Buddy during race 9 on 8/15/26 at Scioto Downs, Mr. Noble did use the whip which resulted in blood being on the stifle of #1. Mr. Noble is fined $750, the penalty will be reduced to $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.
KASH, KEITH J JR MEDINA, OH YOB 1979
Nfld on 8/12/2026 FINED: $200 HORSE PLACED 6 APPEALED - 8/16/2026 CHANGING COURSE/CAUSING INTERFERENCE
FAS Rulings for Friday, August 21, 2026
NOTABLES:
LACHANCE, PATRICK D ALLENTOWN, NJ YOB 1975
YR on 8/5/2026 FINED: $100 USING THE WHIP IN UNCONVENTIONAL MANNER On 8/5/2026 in Race 3 at Yonkers Raceway,driver Pat Lachance did whip his horse # 3 Tip Of Time in an exaggerated manor using more than wrist and elbow action.Snce this is the 1st violation in a 365-day period, Pat LaChance is hereby fined the sum of $100.00. Future violations may incur greater penalties.
LUNA, MARVIN ALFREDO LEXINGTON, KY YOB 2001
Lex on 8/17/2026 FINED: $250 USING THE WHIP IN UNCONVENTIONAL MANNER Mr. Marvin Luna was the listed driver of #6 Your Grace who was in the 8th race on 8/17/2026 at The Red Mile. Mr. Luna did use the whip in an unconventional manner violating 810 KAR 5:070 Section 9 – 3 – B.
NOBLE, KOLTIN D XENIA, OH YOB 2004
ScD on 8/15/2026 FINED: $500 INAPPROPRIATE USE OF THE WHIP OSRC 3769-17-17-L. While driving #1 Lakeside Buddy during race 9 on 8/15/26 at Scioto Downs, Mr. Noble did use the whip which resulted in blood being on the stifle of #1. Mr. Noble is fined $750, the penalty will be reduced to $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.
KASH, KEITH J JR MEDINA, OH YOB 1979
Nfld on 8/12/2026 FINED: $200 HORSE PLACED 6 APPEALED - 8/16/2026 CHANGING COURSE/CAUSING INTERFERENCE