An attorney representing the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority contacted a group of photographers on November 10, asking them to provide “a copy of any and all of the original photographs” of Lukas Classic Staking (G2) October 1 at Churchill Downs in connection with a continuing investigation into that race, according to Rick Dawson, the runner-up’s owner rich attack .
In an email to BloodHorse on November 15, Dawson forwarded a screenshot of HISA attorney Bryan Beauman’s written request and wrote, “Fans and participants deserve a detailed investigation. on all racing disputes as soon as possible.”
The latest developments follow Dawson’s appeal, through his attorney Barry Hunter, of an investigation by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and a subsequent decision by HISA to uphold the outcome of the $498,000 race, which included Charlie’s Hot Stick beat Rich Strike by head. The Lukas Classic has been investigated by the KHRC after several photos taken from the race appeared to show a protrusion from Hot Rod Charlie’s front shoe, which his coach, Doug O’Neill, has categorically denied. survival.
Front shoes with traction devices, known as toe clips, are prohibited by HISA regulations.
In the days following the race, KHRC managers conducted an investigation, which was under HISA’s jurisdiction over its rules regarding horseshoes — and concluded that Hot Rod Charlie was not infringed. HISA said in a statement that it “determines the investigation was well-conducted and thorough, and agrees with the conclusions of the regulators.”
An open-file request for KHRC documents by BloodHorse shows that curators examined other photos of Hot Rod Charlie, put some on file that appeared to show no signs of toe-grabbing, and were considered evidence of Hot Rod Charlie’s shoes in the days following the race at their discretion.
According to KHRC documents, KHRC’s equine medical director, Bruce Howard, examined Hot Rod Charlie on October 4 and reported that there was no traction device on his shoe, which Howard said. worn enough to show that they had been riding “for quite some time”.
According to the KHRC, a paddle blacksmith is also responsible on race day in Kentucky to ensure all horses compete with permitted shoes.
The two horses then raced in the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) at Keenelandwith Rich Strike in fourth and Hot Rod Charlie in sixth, both far behind the runaway winner Flight route . Hot Rod Charlie races for owners of Roadrunner, Boat Race, Gainesway Stable and Strauss Bros.
In an interview with BloodHorse late last month, Dawson said he did not feel KHRC “did a detailed and in-depth investigation” and that HISA approved it without extensive testing. HISA announced on October 31 that it will allow the connection of the two top finishers from Lukas Classic to present evidence to its enforcement team for review and recommendation to HISA’s board of directors.
Dawson wrote that he understands that some raw data has been provided to support their appeal, but a hearing date has yet to be set. “Gathering more information and evidence at this point, and obviously, depending on the evidence and findings of the experts will dictate our next action, if any,” he wrote.
A spokesperson for HISA did not respond to a request for comment.
