NYRA racing official is fined for omission that led to 2 voided claims

The New York State Gaming Commission has fined a New York Racing Association official $2,000 for failing to follow procedures, resulting in two voided claims. 

A ruling issued on Sept. 15, first reported by Daily Racing Form, states that Robert MacLennan, whose Linked-In profile lists him as a NYRA assistant racing secretary, was fined for "failing to tend to business in a professional manner necessitating claims to be voided."

The ruling provided no details on the incident that led to the discipline, but NYRA spokesman Patrick McKenna said in a statement that it stemmed from a failure to alert the clerk of scales at Saratoga that two horses, the Chad Brown-trained Justice Department and Ian Wilkes' Bold Looker, had been claimed out of the last race on Sept. 2.

"The clerk of scales was not alerted to the claim of either Justice Department or Bold Looker, which resulted in both horses returning to their original stables instead of the test barn as required," he said. "As such, the stewards voided the claims of Justice Department and Bold Looker." 

"The error resulting in the voided claims was inadvertent," McKenna added. "NYRA will review the process by which claims are communicated and adjust as necessary."

He also stated that MacLennan retains the support of NYRA management.

"Rob MacLennan is a valued NYRA employee whose conduct and professionalism guarantee a bright future in the sport of thoroughbred racing," he said.

DRF reported that a third horse claimed from the race, Deputy Connect, followed the proper procedures and that claim was allowed to stand. 

It also noted that a similar incident occurred on May 28, 2022, resulting in a $4,000 fine against Frank Gabriel, NYRA's vice president for racing operations.