JC / Railbird

Pletcher: “Closed” Doors Troubling

Trainer Todd Pletcher has issued a statement in advance of the KHRC Life at Ten report due today. After recounting the events at the Breeders’ Cup and the investigation that followed the mare’s poor showing, he gets to the point:

What we don’t know are the contents of the “Report” which is scheduled to be presented to the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission today because our request for a copy was declined. What we also don’t know is why this presentation is being made to the Commission behind “closed” doors where the public is excluded. This is a troubling approach and may be ignoring fundamental due process principles.

Wait, the report isn’t being presented publicly? That is disturbing …

The Paulick Report will attend the meeting and live blog whatever is released.

6:30 PM Update: The KHRC meeting may have been closed to the public, but the complete report is available for reading (PDF via TT). You can find the summary recommendations here (PDF). A couple notable quotes: “Many of the participants seemed to be waiting for someone else to take action” … “It is clear a communication breakdown contributed to this controversy” … “All three Stewards regretted their lack of action in this matter.”


6 Comments

The ESPN crew at the race deserves and Emmy for its coverage. I wonder how many times things like the LAT incident happen all the time at tracks around the country. As far as the closed proceedings go, I wouldn’t be surprised if it is to offer Pletcher a gentleman’s way of voluntarily skipping Kentucky for a year after the Derby rather than being suspended. (Though I’ll be honest, I’ve been biased against him since I had bet $50 for LAT to W.)

Posted by Goberry on March 10, 2011 @ 11:49 am

I’m speculating, which is a great way to get in trouble, but I’d guess closing the meeting has more to do with the stewards than Pletcher.

Posted by Jessica on March 10, 2011 @ 2:46 pm

I did NOT expect they were going to suspend JV. Jockey intimidation at its worst.

Posted by Goberry on March 10, 2011 @ 4:57 pm

Jessica – off topic – I just heard that 8yo Talented Princess who reportedly broke a hip coming out of the gate yesterday at Aqueduct in race one may have only had a locked stifle. Any way to get an update?

Posted by Cindy on March 11, 2011 @ 5:55 pm

Talented Princess is okay!

per DRF: Meanwhile, trainer David Jacobson reports that Talented Princess was doing better after her stifle apparently locked up leaving the starting gate Thursday. Jacobson said Talented Princess was a little tender in her hind end, but that she would eventually be okay. Whether he 8-year-old mare races again has not been decided, Jacobson said.

Posted by Cindy on March 11, 2011 @ 7:50 pm

Cindy, that’s good news! Thanks for the update.

Posted by Jessica on March 12, 2011 @ 7:14 am