January 2026 Thoroughbred Rulings - Maryland Racing Commission
DATE: January 8, 2026 TRACK: Laurel Park
STEWARDS: Adam Campola
Ross R Pearce
Russell G Derderian
RULINGS:
#26-001 In the matter of the second race at Laurel Park on September 13, 2025;
The second-place finisher “Uncle Irish” owned by Morris E. Kernan, Jr. and Jagger Inc. and
trained by Jamie Ness has been disqualified for a medication violation by HIWU.
The following is the official order of finish.
1st Goodluckchuck
2nd Running River
3rd Midnight Renegade
4th Speak Unity
Uncle Irish - unplaced
DATE: January 8, 2026 TRACK: Laurel Park
STEWARDS: Adam Campola
Ross R Pearce
Russell G Derderian
RULINGS:
#26-002 In the matter of the first race at Laurel Park on October 11, 2025;
The first-place finisher “Neolithica” owned by Bush Racing Stable and
trained by Kieron Magee has been disqualified for a medication violation by HIWU.
The following is the official order of finish.
1st Cluck Cluck
2nd I Can Do It
3rd Ade
4th Sheherhers
5th Skip Thru Da Fire
6th Lady Zeta
7th Gilda’s Girl
Neolithica - unplaced
DATE: January 10, 2026 TRACK: Laurel Park
STEWARDS: Adam Campola
Ross R Pearce
Russell G Derderian
RULINGS:
#26-003 In the matter of the fourth race at Laurel Park on November 7, 2025;
The second-place finisher “P J’s Song” owned by Baxter Racing Stable and trained by Mario
Serey, Jr. has been disqualified for a medication violation by HIWU.
The following is the official order of finish.
1st Laddie Dance
2nd It’s Sizzling Time
3rd Song Runner
4th Mister Agent
5th Quincannon
6th Little Lance
7th Prom Night
P J’s Song - unplaced
DATE: January 15, 2026 TRACK: Laurel Park
STEWARDS: Adam Campola
Ross R Pearce
Russell G Derderian
RULINGS:
#26-004 In the matter of veterinarian Nicholas L. Meittinis DVM of Maryland Veterinary Group
(MVG):
HISA and HIWU have issued a provisional suspension to Dr. Meittinis effective 12:00 p.m. EST
on Monday, January 12, 2026. The suspension was issued for alleged violation of the
following HISA rules:
Rule 2215: No Covered Person acting alone or in concert with another person shall
compromise the welfare of a Covered Horse for competitive or commercial reasons
or subject or permit any Covered Horse under their control, custody, or supervision
to be subjected to or incur the following: (1) any form of cruelty, mistreatment,
neglect, or abuse; (2) abandonment, injury, maiming, or killing (except for
euthanasia for human reasons and in a manner consistent with the current version
of the American Veterinary Medical Association Guidelines for Euthanasia of
Animals); (3) administration of any noxious substance; or (4) deprivation of
necessary care, sustenance, shelter, or veterinary care.
Rule 2271(a)(1): Use of physical or veterinary procedures to mask the effects or
signs of injury so as to allow training or racing to the detriment of the Covered
Horse's health and welfare.
The provisional suspension shall remain in effect until the provisional hearing described in
HISA Rule 2287(b).
In conjunction with HISA and HIWU protocols, Maryland Racing Commission Board of
Stewards has issued the following to Dr. Meittinis:
(1) Dr. Meittinis is prohibited from the grounds of the MJC Inc. and other
racing or training facilities overseen by the Maryland Racing Commission.
BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS
DATE: January 15, 2026 TRACK: Laurel Park
STEWARDS: Adam Campola
Ross R Pearce
Russell G Derderian
RULINGS:
#26-005 In the matter of veterinarian Adam J. Lockard DVM of the Maryland Veterinary Group (MVG):
HISA and HIWU have issued a provisional suspension to Dr. Lockard effective 12:00 p.m. EST
on Monday, January 12, 2026. The suspension were issued for alleged violation of the
following HISA rules:
Rule 2215: No Covered Person acting alone or in concert with another person shall
compromise the welfare of a Covered Horse for competitive or commercial reasons
or subject or permit any Covered Horse under their control, custody, or supervision
to be subjected to or incur the following: (1) any form of cruelty, mistreatment,
neglect, or abuse; (2) abandonment, injury, maiming, or killing (except for
euthanasia for human reasons and in a manner consistent with the current version
of the American Veterinary Medical Association Guidelines for Euthanasia of
Animals); (3) administration of any noxious substance; or (4) deprivation of
necessary care, sustenance, shelter, or veterinary care.
Rule 2271(a)(1): Use of physical or veterinary procedures to mask the effects or
signs of injury so as to allow training or racing to the detriment of the Covered
Horse's health and welfare.
The provisional suspension shall remain in effect until the provisional hearing described in
HISA Rule 2287(b).
In conjunction with HISA and HIWU protocols, Maryland Racing Commission Board of
Stewards has issued the following to Dr. Lockard:
(1) Dr. Lockard is prohibited from the grounds of the MJC Inc. and other
racing or training facilities overseen by the Maryland Racing Commission.
BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS
Date: January 16, 2026 TRACK: Laurel Park
STEWARDS: Adam Campola
Ross R Pearce
Russell G Derderian
RULINGS:
#26-006 In the matter of Stable employee Jesus Cazarez-Cruz: On January 10, 2026, Mr. Cazarez was requested to deliver a urine sample by the MRC Investigators. The specimen he rendered tested positive for amphetamine and methamphetamine.
COMAR 09.10.03.05 A(1)(a)(i).
A hearing was held on January 10, 2026. Mr. Cazarez-Cruz appeared in the absence of counsel and waived his right thereto. Based upon the testimony and evidence presented at the hearing, the Stewards found Jesus Cazarez-Cruz in violation of COMAR 09.10.03.05 Drug Prohibition-Humans.
Accordingly, the Stewards hereby order:
- That the license issued to Jesus Cazarez-Cruz be suspended until such time as he
has been professionally evaluated and deemed not a detriment to racing. [COMAR 09.10.03.05, F(1)].
- That while he is under suspension, Mr. Cazarez-Cruz will not be allowed to work on
the backside.
[COMAR 09.10.01.45, 'Y (1) (a).]
BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS
Date: January 16, 2026 TRACK: Laurel Park
STEWARDS: Adam Campola
Ross R Pearce
Russell G Derderian
RULINGS:
#26-007 In the matter of Stable employee Arturo Martinez-Bahena: On January 10, 2026, The MRC Investigators and MJC Security searched the room of Mr. Martinez-Bahena and found multiple packages of narcotics. Local Law enforcement was called. They came and confiscated the narcotics. Mr. Martinez-Bahena was requested to deliver a urine sample by the MRC Investigators. The specimen he rendered tested negative.
COMAR 09.10.03.05 A(1)(a)(i).
A hearing was held on January 15, 2026. Mr. Martinez-Bahena appeared in the absence of counsel and waived his right thereto. Based upon the testimony and evidence presented at the hearing, the Stewards found Arturo Martinez-Bahena in violation of COMAR 09.10.03.05 Drug Prohibition-Humans.
Accordingly, the Stewards hereby order:
- That the license issued to Arturo Martinez-Bahena be suspended until such time as he
has been professionally evaluated and deemed not a detriment to racing. [COMAR 09.10.03.05, F(1)].
- That while he is under suspension, Mr. Martinez-Bahena will not be allowed to work on
the backside.
[COMAR 09.10.01.45, 'Y (1) (a).]
BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS
DATE: January 29, 2026 TRACK: Laurel Park
STEWARDS: Adam Campola
Ross R Pearce
Russell G Derderian
RULINGS:
#26-008 In the matter of the fifth race at Laurel Park on November 16, 2025;
The second-place finisher “Bond’s Belle” owned by B and C Stable and trained by Charles A.
Frock has been disqualified for a medication violation by HIWU.
The following is the official order of finish.
1st Lost River
2nd Ade
3rd Anotherhope
4th Youmakemecharlie
5th South Pacific
6th Curl N Rod
7th Just the thing
8th Thunder In Paris
Bond’s Belle - unplaced
DATE: January 29, 2026 TRACK: Laurel Park
STEWARDS: Adam Campola
Ross R Pearce
Russell G Derderian
RULINGS:
#26-009 In the third race at Laurel Park on January 17, 2026, #3 “Juniper’s Jubilee”, ridden by Yedsit
Hazlewood was disqualified from third position and place fourth. Inside the 1/4th pole, #3
angled in towards the inside without sufficient clearance, forcing the jockey of #2 “Cupid’s
Choice”, Xavier Perez to take up sharply, costing him a chance at a better finish. The #3
“Juniper’s Jublilee” was later interfered with during the race and placed back into third
place.
COMAR 09.10.01.50 A (1)(b)(e) which states in pertinent parts: “A horse may not (b) Cross or weave in front of horse without sufficient clearance (e) Impede another horse]
The following is the official order of finish.
1st Profound Change
2nd Cupid’s Choice
3rd Juniper’s Jubilee
4th Truly Thrilling
5th Aqua Blaze
6th Itty Biddy City
7th Sweet Lexi
8th Sterling Cat
DATE: January 29, 2026 TRACK: Laurel Park
STEWARDS: Adam Campola
Ross R Pearce
Russell G Derderian
RULINGS:
#26-010 In the third race at Laurel Park on January 17, 2026, #8 “Truly Thrilling”, ridden by Ismerio
Villalobos was disqualified from second position and place fourth. Inside the 1/8th pole, #8
While lugging in towards the inside, without sufficient clearance, crossed in front of #3
“Juniper’s Jubilee”, forcing the jockey to take up sharply to avoid clipping heels.
COMAR 09.10.01.50 A (1)(b)(e) which states in pertinent parts: “A horse may not (b) Cross or weave in front of horse without sufficient clearance (e) Impede another horse]
The following is the official order of finish.
1st Profound Change
2nd Cupid’s Choice
3rd Juniper’s Jubilee
4th Truly Thrilling
5th Aqua Blaze
6th Itty Biddy City
7th Sweet Lexi
8th Sterling Cat
DATE: January 29, 2026 TRACK: Laurel Park
STEWARDS: Adam Campola
Ross R Pearce
Russell G Derderian
RULINGS:
#26-011 In the fourth race at Laurel Park on January 17, 2026, #1 “Certified Loverboy”, ridden by
Mychel Sanchez was disqualified from first position and place second. After the start, #1
broke out severely to the right and in doing so bumped #2 “National Law” ridden by Jevian
Toledo, forcing him to take up sharply and drop back out of the race before regaining his
stride.
COMAR 09.10.01.50 A (1)(b)(c)(e) which states in pertinent parts: “A horse may not (b) Cross or weave in front of horse without sufficient clearance (c) Jostle another horse (e) Impede another horse]
The following is the official order of finish.
1st National Law
2nd Certified Loverboy
DATE: January 29, 2026 TRACK: Laurel Park
STEWARDS: Adam Campola
Ross R Pearce
Russell G Derderian
RULINGS:
#26-012 Apprentice jockey, Yedsit Hazlewood, is suspended two (2) Maryland racing days February 1 and 6, 2026, for riding the horse “Juniper’s Jubilee” in a careless manner in the third race at Laurel Park on January 17, 2026.
[COMAR 09.10.01.45 AA (1).]
DATE: January 29, 2026 TRACK: Laurel Park
STEWARDS: Adam Campola
Ross R Pearce
Russell G Derderian
RULINGS:
#26-013 Jockey, Xavier Perez is in violation of the HISA riding crop rule #2280 (1)(3). During
the running of the tenth race on January 17, 2026, Jockey Perez hit his mount
“Amazing Bernie” 10 times which is in violation of the 6-strike rule. On January 23, 2026,
a hearing was held to review the race. Stewards issued the following penalty.
(1) Mr. Perez is fined Seven hundred and fifty ($750.00) dollars.
(2) Mr. Perez is suspended five (5) days, January 31 through February 4, 2026.
COMAR 09.10.01.45 H
BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS
DATE: January 31, 2026 TRACK: Laurel Park
STEWARDS: Adam Campola
Ross R Pearce
Russell G Derderian
#26-014 In the matter of the tenth race at Laurel Park on January 17, 2026, regarding the Official result.
On January 23,2026 the Stewards notified trainer Carlos Mancilla of a crop violation by the jockey of his horse “Amazing Bernie” during the running of the tenth race on the January 17, 2026. The Stewards notified Mr. Mancilla that jockey Xavier Perez struck his mount 10 times during the race, which is a HISA violation that calls for the disqualification of said horse. On January 30, 2026, Mr. Mancilla and owner, Michael Sheffres had a hearing with the Stewards and reviewed the race in question. Mr. Mancilla and Mr. Sheffres have agreed to the penalty.
Based upon the foregoing, the Stewards hereby order that:
The horse, “Amazing Bernie” be disqualified from the tenth race on January 17, 2026.
The Horsemen’s Bookkeeper redistribute all monies for that race in accordance with the
following order.
OFFICIAL ORDER OF FINISH
1st Happy Jaunt
2nd Lucked In
3rd Strategist
4th Doctor’s Orders
5th Sincerto
6th Oleg
7th Birravino
Amazing Bernie- Lord’s Lady
HISA #2282 (a) (3)
BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS