From harness world…
Windsor Fair (Maine), Aug 31: “Stanley Whittemore was the trainer of Vogue Blue Chip. While transporting [horse] to the track, an unfortunate accident occurred involving the trailer prior to entering the fairgrounds. After entering the grounds, Vogue Blue Chip was euthanized by the attending vet. Mr. Whittemore’s actions warranted an investigation. After hearing from Mr. Whittemore and receiving statements and information regarding the matter, the judges found that Mr. Whittemore was in violation of ‘any conduct that is detrimental to the sport’ and ‘any conduct while in view of the public which in any way tarnishes the image of the sport.’ These are Level 1 infractions. Therefore, Mr. Whittemore has been suspended for one year and fined $1,000.”
For obvious reasons, I will be filing a separate FOIA on this one. Vogue was five. Poor boy.
Saratoga, Aug 4: “A search was conducted of the barn occupied by trainer Andrew Sardella. Licensee is not a veterinarian or licensed vet tech. During the search of the barn, the investigators discovered one syringe with a hypodermic needle attached, three additional needles, and a partially used bottle of injectable ‘Prevail’ (Flunixin Meglumine). This being licensee’s second offense of this nature, [his] trainer’s license is suspended for two years and [he] is fined $5,000.” “Second offense of this nature” and he’s not banned forever? This one has been stayed pending a hearing.
Harrah’s, Aug 28: “While driving Gidget Lauxmont, Brandon Cruse did have an exaggerated whipping motion not restricted to wrist and elbow action and raised his arm above shoulder height at the top of the stretch and in the stretch. Mr. Cruse is fined $500 and issued a 30-day suspension.” But then this: “This is Mr. Cruse’s 8th whipping violation in 2026 and 11th in the last calendar year. Future violations will result in more severe penalties.” How many more will that take exactly? (Here are some of those.)
Richwood Fair (Ohio), Sep 2: “[Driver] Tyler Rush did not pass the breath analyzer test. Mr. Rush is fined $100 and given a 50-day suspension.” But: “The penalty will be reduced to $100 and 25 days if not appealed.” Then this: “This is Mr. Rush’s second violation of this rule.” What? This (last Aug) could be driver Rush’s first drunk violation, but who knows.
Windsor, Sep 4: “While driving the horse Little Power, Justin Parker did violate the rule ‘driver shall not use a whip on a tired horse or [one] not visibly responding.'” Fined $300, suspended two days. The “tired horse,” by the way, is 12. 12. Vile.
Red Mile, Sep 7: “Tyler Shehan failed to keep a line in each hand while using the whip and did use the whip in an unconventional manner by using full swings behind his head on Green Swing.” Fined $500, suspended 5 days.
It seems as if Harness Racing has an over – abundance of sadistic, drunk drivers. These clowns need to be reminded that Happy Hour is after the race, not before. District Attorneys need to be reminded that animal cruelty laws apply to everyone, including people involved in racing. It seems that some are delusional and believe that the racing industry can police itself. Obviously, that’s a fantasy as it’s proven almost daily that they can’t. I intend to start flooding local media about some of these atrocities. I truly hope that animal cruelty one day becomes a question that all of our elected officials are forced to address.
I just like horses.