An investigation into shoes worn by Hot Rod Charlie on October 1 Lukas Classic Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs concluded that intern Doug O’Neill did not violate regulations set forth by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, HISA announced in an October 18 statement.
An appeal was filed with the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and the board by Kentucky Derby winner ties presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) Rich Strike based on an image of the race, in which Rich Strike finished first after a tense battle.
Rich Strike contacts said the photos appeared to show Hot Rod Charlie running with the front “toe”, a rim that protrusses over the toe area of the horseshoe intended to help the horse gain traction on the track. and reduce slip. Due to potential injury risk factors, towing devices other than full rim devices two millimeters or less above the ground are prohibited by HISA regulations. These include but are not limited to toe grabbing. Prior to the establishment of HISA, the KHRC adopted the Jockey Club Safety Committee recommendation of a two mm higher fore toe grip.
KHRC administrators, acting as HISA through a voluntary agreement that KHRC entered into with HISA to implement HISA’s rules, conducted an investigation – this is within HISA’s jurisdiction due to objections. on suspicion of violation of HISA regulations.
“Management concluded that Hot Rod Charlie did not violate HISA’s horseshoe rules,” reads HISA’s statement. “After an independent review of the documents and related evidence submitted by regulators, HISA has determined that the investigation has been well and thoroughly conducted, and agrees with the administrators’ conclusions. physical.”
O’Neill released a statement on October 4 about Hot Rod Charlie’s footwear.
“I swear on a stack of Bibles, that none of the horses in our stables have worn their toes, and haven’t in years,” the statement read in part. “I’m 100% behind the science and studies that show toe increases the risk of limb injury, which is why we stopped using shoes with toe hooks a long time ago.”
Rich Strike’s owner, Richard Dawson of RED TR-Racing, said he plans to review HISA’s findings.
“Without access to the information uncovered in their investigation, it would be too early for me to make a fact-based comment,” Dawson told BloodHorse via email. “I asked for details more than a week ago and was told by their attorney that no information will be shared during an active investigation.
“Now that their investigation is complete, I will once again request that the discovered information & interview notes, if any, have been reviewed and, therefore, become the basis for their judgment. .”
Hot Rod Charlie and Rich Strike may meet again in the near future at Keeneland, where Hot Rod Charlie is training to start in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) on November 5 for Roadrunner, Boat Race, Straus Bros Racing and Gainesway Thoroughbreds. Rich Strike is being considered to start in Classic, or could skip that event to run on November 25 Clark Stakes presented by Norton Healthcare (G1) at Churchill. Although Sonny Leon was suspended for 15 days following an aggressive ride on Rich Strike in Lukas Classic, trainer Eric Reed previously announced Leon would keep the mount.
“At the moment, Rich Strike is doing well and preparing for his next race,” Dawson said. “Our focus has not changed in this more than two-week investigation since Lukas about our training and racing plans for Richie.”
BloodHorse has placed an open record request with KHRC to obtain the manager’s report and supporting documents from the investigation.
