Trainer Noda is fined $5,000 in N.Y.; reason is unclear

Trainer Orlando Noda was fined $5,000 by the New York Gaming Commission, but the reason was unclear.

The ruling, dated Sunday, stated only: "Trainer Mr. Orlando Noda is hereby fined the sum of five thousand ($5,000) dollars for action detrimental to the best interest of racing having appealed a stay has been granted."

Noda referred questions to his attorney, Drew Mollica, who told Horse Racing Nation that he does not know what prompted the ruling.

"In all candor, I don't know," Mollica said. "I know that there are a number of allegations that are out there that have not been confirmed. So I'm not going to speculate on what they are. … But I'll say this, that there are a lot of allegations out there. None of them, none of them have been proven to be true. And in speaking to Mr. Noda when I get up there (to Saratoga) later this week and I get more of the facts, I'll have more to say. But I'll say this. He vehemently denies any behavior that would warrant such a ridiculous, arbitrary and capricious fine."

Mollica declined to say what the allegations were, "because what if I'm wrong? You know what I mean? I wasn't there, so I don't know."

Mollica said he was hired by Noda after the trainer appealed the ruling.

New York State Gaming Commission officials at Saratoga could not be reached for comment.

Noda has a record of 40: 4-2-6 at the Saratoga meet.