A recently-posted ruling from Ohio: “On March 7, a hearing was held for Jockey Angel Diaz for an alleged violation for misuse of the whip on his mount Colombard during the 7th race at Mahoning March 5. The horse, winner of the race, was examined by the Track Vet and was seen to have visible injuries from Mr. Diaz’s use of the whip.”
Ruling: guilty, fined $500, suspended five days. But, those penalties were “reduced to $250 and three days without appeal.” Yes, that’s right, you can beat your horse so hard you leave (what I presume were) welts, but as long as you don’t fight it we’ll cut you some slack. By the way, on the chart, Colombard was said to have “prevailed under strong handling.” I’ll say. The now-six-year-old has been raced 10 times since – four under the yoke of Diaz – and 46 in all.
Then this from Delaware: “Groom Jose Lopez, having tested positive for heroin and cocaine at Delaware Park on September 16, is hereby summarily suspended pending a hearing.” More of racing’s finest working with our poor horses.