The New York Racing Association’s administrative hearing to consider the allegations against coach Marcus Vitali has been adjourned until an unspecified date in May.
A hearing before former New York State Court of Appeals Judge Robert Smith has been scheduled for April 4.
Vitali’s long list of violations and suspensions prevented him from starting from July 21, 2019 until January 4, 2021. During that time, he was suspended by the Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission. for just 365 days in 2019 for obstructing an investigation.
In 2016, he gave up his trainer license in Florida while facing penalties for seven drug violations, though he later accepted a 120-day suspension.
In a statement about the allegation against Vitali, the NYRA cited that from 2010 to 2020, he had amassed a complete record of drug violations, extended suspensions, and use of a “chapter” coach. submission” or “paper” during the suspension and obstruction of an investigation of misconduct. The NYRA also alleges that over the past five years, he has been denied entry, kicked out of his home, and/or denied applications by regulators in Florida, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New York and Delaware. Licensing; and has been sanctioned for violating a statute, rule, or regulation regarding racing involving drugs, drugs, or prohibited or restricted substances seven times in a year.
A 912 race winner in his career, Vitali has 7 wins in 36 starts this year while racing in Turf Paradise.
