Report: Trainer Noda will challenge N.Y. fine, suspension

Trainer Orlando Noda will fight a suspension and fine from the New York State Gaming Commission for alleged mistreatment of a horse in 2021.

Daily Racing Form reported that Noda was fined $5,000 and suspended for 90 days in August 2021 for alleged mistreatment of a horse during training at Saratoga.

A New York Supreme Court judge issued a stay and temporary restraining order that will allow Nota to continue training until a hearing, according to the report.

The fine and suspension came after bloodstock agent David Ingordo testified that Noda struck a horse, Win With Pride, with a crop about five to seven times on the shoulder and hindquarters during training, according to the report. The testimony came during a two-day hearing last February and March.

Noda testified that Win With Pride had "frozen" and that he used a regulation crop five or six times, according to the report. He also testified that he was trained in proper use of a crop and that he did not strike the horse in the head, ears or eyes.

Hearing officer David Devaprasad wrote in a report that the commission's investigation was not thorough enough, according to the report, and that Noda's actions were not a violation because there are no specific rules regarding using a crop during training. or what qualifies as mistreatment.

But the gaming commission rejected Devaprasad's findings and issued the penalties.