The California Horse Racing Board ordered trainer Richard Baltas suspended for one year through early December after making an independent review of the case against him.
The CHRB decision was issued May 19 and released the same day.
The order essentially reinstates a board of stewards ruling issued on Dec. 2 that called for Baltas to be suspended for 365 days through Dec. 2, 2023 and fined $10,000. A subsequent review by hearing officer Edward J. Weiss recommended Baltas receive a partial credit for days served so that the suspension would be deemed commenced Sept. 14. CHRB gave notice of rejection of the recommendation on March 20 and today announced the partial credit would not be allowed.
Stewards found Baltas ran afoul of CHRB rules regarding medications, drugs, and other substances permitted once horses were entered to race between April 15 and May 8, 2022 at Santa Anita. In all, 21 counts were identified.
Charges against Baltas arose after surveillance video from his barn emerged showing, according to a CHRB complaint lodged June 21, Baltas’ staff orally administering higenamine and paeonol. Baltas soon filed two lawsuits against CHRB in Los Angeles Superior Court. One of them was dismissed April 6; the other is pending.
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Today’s order was signed by CHRB chairman Gregory L. Ferraro and counter-signed by executive director Scott Chaney. It was released to BloodHorse after Baltas was given notice.
