The California Horse Racing Board has ordered the suspension of coach Richard Baltas for a year until early December after making an independent review of the lawsuit brought against him.
The CHRB decision was issued on May 19 and published on the same day.
This order essentially restores the board’s ruling issued on December 2nd calling for Baltas to be suspended for 365 days until December 2, 2023 and subject to a $10,000 fine. A follow-up review by hearing officer Edward J. Weiss recommended that Baltas take a portion of the credit for the number of days served so that the suspension is deemed to have commenced on September 14. The CHRB issued the notice. rejected the recommendation on March 20 and announced today that a portion of the credit will not apply. be allowed.
Managers found Baltas was in violation of CHRB rules regarding medications, drugs and other substances permitted for use when horses competed in a race from April 15 to May 8, 2022 at Santa Anita. In total, 21 crimes were identified.
The charges against Baltas arose after surveillance video from his warehouse emerged showing, according to a CHRB complaint filed on June 21, Baltas employees administered higenamine and paeonol. Baltas soon filed a lawsuit against CHRB in Los Angeles Superior Court. One of them was fired on April 6; another is pending.
Today’s order was signed by CHRB president Gregory L. Ferraro and countersigned by chief executive Scott Chaney. It was released to BloodHorse after Baltas was announced.
