Feds may rule on Hot Rod Charlie shoe case 'in next few days'
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission said Monday the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority holds jurisdiction over allegations that Hot Rod Charlie wore shoes with toe grabs in the Grade 2 Lukas Classic on Oct. 1 at Churchill Downs.
Late Monday, HISA confirmed it.
"HISA is in the process of reviewing the investigation undertaken by the KHRC as well as all related evidence and documents and will make a final determination in the next few days," HISA spokesperson Liz Beadle said in an email to Horse Racing Nation.
The claims that Hot Rod Charlie wore illegal toe grabs in the Lukas Classic stemmed from inspection of photographs taken by Jenny Doyle and Matt Wooley of Eclipse Sportswire. Viewing the pictures up close, there appeared to be a projection from the front of Hot Rod Charlie's front shoes that may have indicated toe grabs.
According to an email sent Monday morning by Kristin Voskuhl, spokesperson for the KHRC, "The allegation in question concerns a violation of HISA shoeing regulations and remains under HISA’s jurisdiction. Consequently, any additional information will be available through HISA."
Eric Reed, trainer of runner-up Rich Strike, told HRN both he and owner Rick Dawson received an email Monday from John Forgy, an attorney for HISA, advising them to expect further guidance this week.
HISA rule 2276 allows only full rims that are two millimeters or less from the surface of the horseshoe when training or racing on dirt or synthetic surfaces. The rule specifically lists toe grabs, bends, jar calks and stickers among traction devices. The rule was amended to allow such shoes on hind limbs only for turf races.
Doug O'Neill, trainer of Hot Rod Charlie, denied that he used shoes with toe grabs on Hot Rod Charlie in the Lukas Classic. In a Facebook post Tuesday, O'Neill stated that he had "stopped using shoes with toe grabs long ago" and that he agrees with the science behind the idea that toe grabs raise the risk of equine injury.
O'Neill continued, "My only thought is that the photo is a weird reflection or is a result of being altered." Eclipse Sportswire responded with a written statement Wednesday, stating that the images on their photo server "are in no way altered or manipulated."