Recent rulings from harness world…

Northfield, Sep 11: “While driving Expresso Joe, Anthony MacDonald whipped the horse excessively. He is hereby fined $500. The penalty will be reduced to $300 if not appealed.”

Harrington, Sep 25: “Driver Ross Wolfenden is fined $300 for causing welts on the trotter Explosive Hall.”

Lexington, Sep 26: “Anibal Borjas is hereby assessed a civil penalty of $500 and suspended three days [for] excessive and indiscriminate use of the whip resulting in welts.”

Rosecroft, Sep 30: “Driver Johnathan Ahle is fined $200 for causing visible whip marks/welts on Captain Carter.”

Then this at Vernon Downs, Sep 21: “Following the 10th race, owner/trainer/driver Jimmy Whittemore was observed by a racing official striking his horse, Galactic Storm, in the head while in the paddock. Having waived his rights to a formal hearing and appeal, Jimmy Whittemore is fined the sum of $1,000 [but] reduced to $500.”

For context on the above “penalties,” consider these:

Northfield, Sep 15: “Erin Ryder engaged in a verbal altercation with another licensee after race 10. She is hereby fined $500.”

Miami Valley, Feb 1 (appeal was just recently heard): “As the horses were pulling up, Jeffrey McNabb came out onto the track and approached the track vet, thus interfering with a racing official being able to perform their duties. Mr. McNabb refused to leave the track and eventually followed the vet into his office, requesting personal information and threatening to sue the vet. Mr. McNabb would not leave the office until security was called. Mr. McNabb’s actions were intimidating, threatening, and against the best interest of horse racing. Mr. McNabb is fined $1,000 and given a 30-day suspension.”

Verbal altercations, serious business; welts/smacking horses in the head, not so much.

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