California regulators allege Miller continued training duties

Peter Miller and Ruben Alvarado each face regulatory hearings after the California Horse Racing Board filed complaints that alleged Miller, who stepped away from training in late November, "engaged in behavior consistent with the duties of a trainer at the San Luis Rey Training Center with horses in the barn of trainer Ruben Alvarado."

Miller, a five-time Breeders' Cup winner, announced he was temporarily stepping away from training last fall “to spend more time with family, focus on overall health and wellness, and pursue other interests.” He added in a statement that Alvarado, his longtime assistant at San Luis Rey Downs, would take over the training duties of most of his horses. Miller would remain active as a racing manager. 

In a complaint filed May 23, the CHRB claimed Miller's role with the stable beginning Dec. 23 included "entering horses, conducting endoscopy exams, giving instruction to riders, examining horses, consulting with veterinarians, controlling and accessing bank accounts purported to belong to Ruben Alvarado Racing Stables, assigning jockeys, and creating training charts."

Miller's hearing is scheduled for June 20. He declined to comment Wednesday when contacted by Horse Racing Nation. A spokesman for the CHRB said the board "does not comment on pending litigation."

In the complaint against Alvarado, it notes "Alvarado acknowledged that he is aware Miller has been conducting these duties. In addition, Alvarado did not set up his own stable bank account independent of Miller, which was required per the Steward's direction."

Alvarado's hearing is scheduled for July 18 at Los Alamitos. 

Last month, Miller announced his intentions to return to training. He had his first starter Sunday at Churchill Downs with Respect the Code, who ran sixth in an allowance for owner Gary Barber. Miller said last week he plans to start running horses in California again starting with the Los Alamitos meet, which opens June 25.