Jockey Gerard Melancon was arrested August 26 in Louisiana on charges of “stimulating unnatural horses” at Evangeline Downsaccording to an August 30 story by Paulick Report.
The article cites information from the St. Landry and the Louisiana State Police.
Louisiana State Racing Commission CEO Charles Gardiner told Paulick that the investigation focused on “the possibility of possession of an electrical device.”
Gardiner said Evangeline Downs managers have been notified of the incident and have contacted state police.
An unnamed state police public information officer was quoted as saying, who could not comment further because there is an “ongoing investigation.”
According to the report, Melancon “was released after bail was set at $20,000.” Court date “unscheduled, pending formal charges by district attorney.”
Melancon is the eighth winning driver at Evangeline Downs since April 6, earning $548,350. He completed the encounter with 29 wins from 180 starts.
He rode in Louisiana Downs August 28 and scheduled for two rides at the Bossier City track on September 4.
As for his career, which began in 1984, Melancon has 32,444 starts with 5,079 wins and $89,769,187 in earnings.
In 2021, the New York Racing Association selected Melancon as a nominee for the Mike Venezia Memorial Award, which is awarded to a racehorse who embodies extraordinary sportsmanship and citizenship.
