NYRA: Suspended Gulfstream trainers told not to enter horses

The New York Racing Association has asked five trainers not to enter its races while they are suspended by Gulfstream Park.

As reported last week, Gulfstream suspended Georgina Baxter, Gilberto Zerpa, Peter Walder, Rohan Crichton and Daniel Pita for clenbuterol violations. Their suspensions range from 10 to 40 days and became effective last Friday.

Pat McKenna, senior director of communications for NYRA, said in an email that the association “is reviewing the action taken by (Gulfstream owner) 1/ST to suspend a group of trainers for violating house rules at Gulfstream Park. As that process continues, NYRA is requesting that these trainers immediately refrain from running horses at NYRA tracks for the duration of the suspensions imposed by 1/ST. Should those trainers not honor this request, then NYRA will consider a number of options to determine if additional sanctions are warranted.

“NYRA has established hearing rules and procedures which comport with due process requirements and provide a mechanism for trainers and others to address allegations and respond to charges. In these matters, and as reflected in the hearing rules and procedures, NYRA’s goal is to protect the integrity of the sport and enhance safety for horses and riders.”

The Daily Racing Form reported that Keeneland also advised the trainers not to enter its races while they are suspended.

Crichton decided against entering Bajan Girl in either the Beldame Stakes (G2) at Belmont or the Spinster Stakes (G1) at Keeneland this weekend. Both had been under consideration for the 4-year-old filly.

Keeneland provided Horse Racing Nation with the following statement Thursday afternoon:

“Keeneland made Rohan Crichton aware we were reviewing the reported suspensions, and let him know it was likely his entry at Keeneland would be denied pending our review. We appreciate Rohan’s acceptance of the potential consequences of any action that risks integrity in our sport and at Keeneland. We look forward to the implementation of the Horse Racing Integrity Act, which will put in place a central authority to oversee the equitable application of uniform rules.”

Crichton told DRF: “I don’t want to burn bridges and bring Keeneland and NYRA into something that they didn’t ask for. It’s just a matter of being patient and waiting it out.”

Also, Walder told DRF that he would scratch two horses he already had entered at Belmont.