Recent rulings compiled by the U.S. Trotting Association (all emphases mine):
“Contraband: On Apr 30, Indiana Racing Commission investigators conducted a search of [trainer] Chris Carrubba Jr’s dorm room and several of his vehicles. During the vehicle search multiple bottles (over 20) of injectable substances (some unlabeled), a near full box of needles, syringes, and an IV jugging tube were found. In his dorm room, investigators found 4 bottles, with handwritten labels, of unknown substances that have been sent off for testing. After considering the evidence presented, the judges determined the following penalties: A suspension of 270 days, a fine of $2,500.” That suspension, however, was subsequently reduced to 214 days.
Pocono, May 11: “While driving Hunters Gal, Frank Tsipouras did whip after the finish of the race. Mr. Tsipouras is fined $250.”
Bangor, May 11: “Mr. Todd Whitney struck the horse with his whip 11 times down the stretch with no time to respond. Fined: $200.”
“Kicking a Horse, Saratoga, May 20: While driving Ss Superstar, Larry Stalbaum did violate the kicking rule [and] is suspended 30 days (driving only).”
Harrington, May 26: “Driver J. Trae Porter is fined $300 for causing welts on the pacer Stay Cool Hanover.”
“Kicking a Horse, Monticello, May 20: While driving Coral Bella, Troy Rossi did violate the kicking rule by removing a foot from the stirrup on two occasions, making contact with the horse. Rossi is hereby suspended from driving for a term of 30 days.”
Harrah’s, May 30: “While driving Dreams Come Easy, George Napolitano Jr did whip after the finish of the race. Mr. Napolitano is fined $200.”
Oak Grove, Jun 2: “After being sent to the Detention Barn for testing, it was noticed and documented by the State Vet that Mr. Jamaal Denson did leave welts on the left side of Artifact Hanover. Fined $300, one-day suspension.”
Ocean, Jun 8: “Trainer Scott Scofield is fined $500 for mistreating horse Fox Valley Mamba in the paddock before the 10th race.”
Ballard County Fair, Jun 8: “Mr. Zyler Maxwell did use the whip excessively while out of contention. Mr. Maxwell did also drive the horse [Prince Palone] off the track in an unsafe and unprofessional manner. Fined $300, two-day suspension.” They added: “The Board of Judges would like to note that Mr. Maxwell did admit and take full responsibility for his actions and the Board of Judges took this into consideration.”
I didn’t look it up but if June 16th and June 17th were non-racing days for wherever Zyler Maxwell runs harness horses or if he wasn’t scheduled to be “a paid driver” on those two days, then being suspended for those two days is not even a slap on the wrist. The $300 fine is a slap on the wrist because he most likely will be right back to whipping harness horses for a paycheck immediately if not sooner. The traffic cops (the racing stewards, commissioners, judges) are dirty if you know what I mean. It’s a corrupt business.
How is this low life scum still able to touch a horse? Should be banned from racing and never allowed to be around horses or any other animals.
There is a downloadable PDF online about Zyler Maxwell who is 18-years-old. The document from the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation states that the dates of his suspension was June 16 and June 17, 2025.
If this type of abuse occured under the jurisdiction of the FEI, I think there would be a lot more outrage and a lot less tolerance. But abusing horses in racing is treated more like a traffic violation such as running a stop sign.
These so-called ‘punishments” are nothing but a slap on the wrist!
If Zyler Miller was that angry with Prince Palone IN FRONT of everyone, one can only imagine what he is doing to the horse back at the barns when he doesn’t have regulatory eyes on him!!
The fines and suspensions are pitiful and obviously ineffective. And any “sport” that requires kicking and whipping “rules” tells me all I need to know. And just who determined how many times it’s ok to whip a horse before it becomes “excessive” or “unnecessary”? It is NEVER necessary to kick or whip a horse.
These reports of willful abuse of horses are more proof that horseracing is Animal Cruelty and must be banned.
#1) KICKED the horse; ………… then, fined and/or suspended.
Excessively WHIPPED the horse; ………… then, fined and/or suspended.
Over-and-over ………… and **OVER**, again!!
#2) Since many —[if not most]— of these Recorded Violations seem to have involved “repeat offenders,” have any of those offenders ………… “learned anything”?!
‘Nope.
No, they haven’t “learned anything,” at all.
#3) How do you spell, …………………… “S.A.D.I.S.T.”??