The Jockey Club has announced sanctions against twelve horse trainers, prohibiting them from registering foals for periods ranging from one to five years. These penalties stem from various drug-related violations involving their horses in recent years. Among the sanctioned individuals are several active trainers such as Michael Pino and James Nicholson Jr., both based in Pennsylvania, who have received two-year bans. Gary Johnson, a top trainer at Mahoning Valley in Ohio, faces a four-year suspension, while Robert Roe, an Iowa-based trainer, has been given the longest penalty of five years. The decision takes effect with the new year and is specifically targeted at foal registration without imposing other restrictions.
Detailed Report on Trainer Sanctions
In a significant move by The Jockey Club, twelve horse trainers have been barred from registering foals for varying durations due to drug-related infractions. This action was revealed in a press release issued on Friday. Notably, among those affected are trainers from diverse regions across the United States. For instance, in the lush landscapes of Pennsylvania, Michael Pino and James Nicholson Jr. have each received two-year bans. Similarly, Nick Caruso and Ralph Riviezzo, despite not having had starters for over two years, also face two-year suspensions.
In Ohio, Gary Johnson, a prominent figure at Mahoning Valley, has been slapped with a four-year ban. Angela Aquino, primarily operating out of Los Alamitos in California, shares the same fate. Robert Roe, hailing from Iowa, has been handed the most severe punishment—a five-year prohibition. Roe previously served a one-year training ban between 2020 and 2021 after claiming he accidentally spilled a banned medication into a horse’s joint supplement.
Other trainers receiving three-year bans include Damon Dilodovico from Maryland, Félix Flores-Coba from New Jersey, Ívan Vázquez from Ohio, and José Romero, also from Ohio. Amber Cobb, based in Delaware, received a one-year sanction, but this was reportedly due to behavioral violations rather than medication issues.
These sanctions come into effect with the new year and are limited to foal registration. According to the press release, penalties are imposed following final determinations by courts, tribunals, or racing bodies regarding acts of cruelty or violations of racing authority statutes, rules, or regulations concerning prohibited substances.
From a journalistic perspective, this development underscores the stringent measures being taken to uphold integrity in the horse racing industry. It highlights the commitment to ensuring fair play and animal welfare, sending a strong message that drug-related violations will not be tolerated. Such actions can serve as a deterrent for future misconduct, ultimately benefiting the sport and its participants.