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May 2026 Thoroughbred Rulings - Maryland Racing Commission

DATE: May 8, 2026
TRACK: Laurel Park

STEWARDS:

  • Adam Campola
  • Ross R Pearce
  • Russell G Derderian

RULINGS:

#26-039 Stable Employee, Jose Zamudio-Hernandez is fined Fifty ($50.00) dollars for urinating in a public area on the backstretch at Laurel Park.

[COMAR 09.10.01.45 H.]

BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS

DATE: May 13, 2026
TRACK: Laurel Park

STEWARDS:

  • Adam Campola
  • Ross R Pearce
  • Russell G Derderian

RULINGS:

#26-040 Trainer, Caitlin Keil is fined Twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for not having the colors for "Sir Lomax", entered to run in the sixth race at Laurel Park on May 9, 2026, after not having colors on (05/01/2026).

THIS IS A VIOLATION OF: [COMAR 09.10.01.09] which states in part:

"It shall be the sole responsibility of the trainer to see that his or her owner's colors are in the jockey's quarters to be used for his or her respective entries, failure to do so, the trainer will be subject to fine".

BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS

DATE: May 14, 2026
TRACK: Laurel Park

STEWARDS:

  • Adam Campola
  • Ross R Pearce
  • Russell G Derderian

RULINGS:

#26-041 Jockey, Raul Mena, is fined Two hundred and fifty dollars ($250.00), for failure to ride his mount "Island D'lite" out to the finish in the seventh race at Laurel Park on May 9, 2026.

[COMAR 09.10.01.21, Q (1) (2)]

BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS

DATE: May 15, 2026
TRACK: Laurel Park

STEWARDS:

  • Adam Campola
  • Ross R Pearce
  • Russell G Derderian

RULINGS:

#26-042 In the sixth race at Laurel Park on May 14, 2026, #1 "Tuff Luck", ridden by apprentice Yedsit Hazlewood was disqualified from first position and place second. Inside the 1/8th pole, #1 crossed over into the path of #4 "El De Larry" ridden by Carlos Lopez, forcing him to hit the rail and take up.

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.

  1. 1st El De Larry
  2. 2nd Tuff Luck
  3. 3rd Straight to Water
  4. 4th Upshot
  5. 5th Sticktothesystem

DATE: May 15, 2026
TRACK: Laurel Park

STEWARDS:

  • Adam Campola
  • Ross R Pearce
  • Russell G Derderian

RULINGS:

#26-043 Apprentice jockey, Yedsit Hazlewood, is suspended three (3) Maryland racing days May 24, 29 and 30, 2026, for riding the horse "Tuff Luck" in a careless manner in the sixth race at Laurel Park on May 14, 2026.

[COMAR 09.10.01.45 AA (1).]

DATE: May 20, 2026
TRACK: Laurel Park

STEWARDS:

  • Adam Campola
  • Ross R Pearce
  • Russell G Derderian

RULINGS:

#26-044 In the matter of the fifth race at Laurel Park on May 14, 2026, regarding the Official result.

On May 15, 2026 trainer Kieron Magee filed an appeal with The Maryland Racing Commission on behalf of the connections of the second place horse "Night Time Nap". The appeal contests the Stewards' decision to not disqualify the horse "Magical Ways" from first position.

As a result of that appeal, the fifth race from May 14, 2026 is hereby declared in dispute and the following ordered to remain in effect until the dispute has been settled by the Maryland Racing Commission.

  1. Both "Magical Ways" and "Night Time Nap" shall be subject to all penalties attached to the winner of the race. [COMAR 09.10.04.15 A (1)] and
  2. The purse monies affected by the dispute are to be held by the Horsemen's Bookkeeper.

BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS

DATE: May 20, 2026
TRACK: Laurel Park

STEWARDS:

  • Adam Campola
  • Ross R Pearce
  • Russell G Derderian

RULINGS:

#26-045 In the matter of trainer Robert Leaf Jr.

Trainer Leaf is summarily suspended pending the outcome of a hearing before the Stewards. On May 14, 2026 a car driven by Mr. Leaf was flagged at the Stable gate. A subsequent search of the car produced marijuana. Mr. Leaf was requested by the MRC Investigators to submit a urine sample. Mr. Leaf's sample tested positive for marijuana. Mr. Leaf's badge was surrendered and he was asked to remove himself from the track.

BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS

DATE: May 20, 2026
TRACK: Laurel Park

STEWARDS:

  • Adam Campola
  • Ross R Pearce
  • Russell G Derderian

RULINGS:

#26-046 In the matter of trainer Robert Leaf III.

Trainer Leaf is summarily suspended pending the outcome of a hearing before the Stewards. On May 15, 2026 a car driven by Mr. Leaf was flagged at the Stable gate. A subsequent search of the car produced marijuana. Mr. Leaf was requested by the MRC Investigators to submit a urine sample. Mr. Leaf refused to take the test sample. Mr. Leaf's badge was surrendered and he was asked to remove himself from the track.

BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS

DATE: May 20, 2026
TRACK: Laurel Park

STEWARDS:

  • Adam Campola
  • Ross R Pearce
  • Russell G Derderian

RULINGS:

#26-047 In the matter of exercise rider, Samantha English.

Rider English is summarily suspended pending the outcome of a hearing before the Stewards. On May 14, 2026 a car driven by Ms. English was flagged at the Stable gate. A subsequent search of the car produced marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Ms. English was requested by the MRC Investigators to submit a urine sample. Ms. English's sample tested positive for marijuana. Ms. English's badge was surrendered and she was asked to remove herself from the track.

BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS

DATE: May 20, 2026
TRACK: Laurel Park

STEWARDS:

  • Adam Campola
  • Ross R Pearce
  • Russell G Derderian

RULINGS:

#26-048 In the matter of the fifth race at Laurel Park on January 23, 2026;

The second-place finisher "Missy Boss" owned by Walter B. Doggett III and trained by A. Ferris Allen III has been disqualified for a medication violation by HIWU.

The following is the official order of finish.

  1. 1st Princess Lucia
  2. 2nd Mainstream Sellout
  3. 3rd Honor the Truth
  4. 4th By the Glass
  5. 5th Lady Arwen
  6. 6th Lachicafortequila
  7. 7th Penny Polka
  8. 8th Divine Grace

Missy Boss - unplaced

Date: May 23, 2026
TRACK: Laurel Park

STEWARDS:

  • Adam Campola
  • Ross R Pearce
  • Russell G Derderian

RULINGS:

#26-049 In the matter of Stable employee Alejandro Sanchez-Barajas: On May 22, 2026, Mr. Sanchez-Barajas 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 May 23, 2026. Mr. Sanchez-Barajas appeared in the absence of counsel and waived his right thereto. Based upon the testimony and evidence presented at the hearing, the Stewards found Alejandro Sanchez-Barajas in violation of COMAR 09.10.03.05 Drug Prohibition-Humans.

Accordingly, the Stewards hereby order:

  1. That the license issued to Alejandro Sanchez-Barajas 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)].
  2. That while he is under suspension, Mr. Sanchez-Barajas will not be allowed to work on the backside.

[COMAR 09.10.01.45, 'Y (1) (a).]

BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS

Date: May 23, 2026
TRACK: Laurel Park

STEWARDS:

  • Adam Campola
  • Ross R Pearce
  • Russell G Derderian

RULINGS:

#26-050 In the matter of Stable employee Juan Padilla-Salomon: On March 22, 2026, Mr. Padilla-Salomon was requested to deliver a urine sample by the MRC Investigators. The specimen he rendered tested positive for marijuana.

COMAR 09.10.03.05 A(1)(a)(i).

A hearing was held on May 23, 2026. Mr. Padilla-Salomon appeared in the absence of counsel and waived his right thereto. Based upon the testimony and evidence presented at the hearing, the Stewards found Juan Padilla-Salomon in violation of COMAR 09.10.03.05 Drug Prohibition-Humans.

Accordingly, the Stewards hereby order:

  1. That the license issued to Juan Padilla-Salomon 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)].
  2. That while he is under suspension, Mr. Padilla-Salomon will not be allowed to work on the backside.

[COMAR 09.10.01.45, 'Y (1) (a).]

BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS

DATE: May 23, 2026
TRACK: Laurel Park

STEWARDS:

  • Adam Campola
  • Ross R Pearce
  • Russell G Derderian

RULINGS:

#26-051 In the ninth race at Laurel Park on May 22, 2026, #3 "Dandy Vandy", ridden by apprentice Yedsit Hazlewood was disqualified from second position and place fifth. Inside the 1/8th pole, #3 crossed over into the path of #7 "Crab Mentality" ridden by Daniel Centeno without sufficient clearance, forcing him 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.

  1. 1st Knock Knock
  2. 2nd Ithadtobeblu
  3. 3rd Far Away Eyes
  4. 4th Crab Mentality
  5. 5th Dandy Vandy

DATE: May 24, 2026
TRACK: Laurel Park

STEWARDS:

  • Adam Campola
  • Ross R Pearce
  • Russell G Derderian

RULINGS:

#26-052 Apprentice jockey, Yedsit Hazlewood, is suspended two (2) Maryland racing days May 31 and June 5, 2026, for riding the horse "Dandy Vandy" in a careless manner in the ninth race at Laurel Park on May 22, 2026.

[COMAR 09.10.01.45 AA (1).]

DATE: May 20, 2026
TRACK: Laurel Park

STEWARDS:

  • Adam Campola
  • Ross R Pearce
  • Russell G Derderian

RULINGS:

#26-053 In the matter of Stable employee Jesus Arias:

Employee Arias is summarily suspended pending the outcome of a hearing before the Stewards. On May 14, 2026 a car driven by Mr. Arias was flagged at the Stable gate. A subsequent search of the car produced marijuana. Mr. Arias was requested by the MRC Investigators to submit a urine sample. Mr. Arias's sample tested positive for marijuana. Mr. Arias's badge was surrendered and he was asked to remove himself from the track.

BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS

DATE: May 20, 2026
TRACK: Laurel Park

STEWARDS:

  • Adam Campola
  • Ross R Pearce
  • Russell G Derderian

RULINGS:

#26-054 In the matter of Stable employee Leandro Briceno:

Employee Briceno is summarily suspended pending the outcome of a hearing before the Stewards. On May 14, 2026 a car driven by Mr. Briceno was flagged at the Stable gate. A subsequent search of the car produced marijuana. Mr. Briceno was requested by the MRC Investigators to submit a urine sample. Mr. Briceno's sample tested positive for marijuana. Mr. Briceno's badge was surrendered and he was asked to remove himself from the track.

BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS

DATE: May 27, 2026 TRACK: Laurel Park

STEWARDS:

  • Adam Campola
  • Ross R Pearce
  • Russell G Derderian

RULINGS:

#26-055 Trainer, Jamie Ness is fined Twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for not having the colors for "Fridayswithmurray", entered to run in the first race at Laurel Park on May 23, 2026, after not having colors on (05/02/2026).

THIS IS A VIOLATION OF: [COMAR 09.10.01.09] which states in part:

"It shall be the sole responsibility of the trainer to see that his or her owner's colors are in the jockey's quarters to be used for his or her respective entries, failure to do so, the trainer will be subject to fine".

BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS

DATE: May 27, 2026
TRACK: Laurel Park

STEWARDS:

  • Adam Campola
  • Ross R Pearce
  • Russell Derderian

RULINGS

#26-056 The below listed licensees have been fined for failure to have the 2025-26 license badges they had been issued by the Maryland Racing Commission. [COMAR 09.10.04.11, C.]

  • ARIAS-MUJICA, Jesus $10.00
  • ARIAS, Juan $5.00
  • BRIGMAN, James $5.00
  • BASLSINGER, Jada $5.00
  • ARIAS-MUJICA, Marcos $5.00
  • KANE, Patrick $5.00
  • TORRES-RIVERA, Tamara $5.00
  • RICHARDSON, David $5.00
  • LEIVA, Eduardo $5.00
  • MAGDALENO-AMARO, Adrian $5.00
  • CARR, Lee, Sr. $5.00
  • TOVAR-ZAMBRANO, Silvia $5.00
  • GIELOW, Curtis $5.00
  • LARENAS-GARAY, Belen $5.00
  • FINKE, Daniel, Jr. $5.00

(Note: The fines have been paid)

BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS

Date: May 28, 2026
TRACK: Laurel Park

STEWARDS:

  • Adam Campola
  • Ross R Pearce
  • Russell G Derderian

RULINGS:

#26-057 In the matter of Stable employee Ricardo Cazarez-Magallon: On May 24, 2026, Mr. Cazarez-Magallon 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 May 24, 2026. Mr. Cazarez-Magallon 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-Magallon in violation of COMAR 09.10.03.05 Drug Prohibition-Humans.

Accordingly, the Stewards hereby order:

  1. That the license issued to Ricardo Cazarez-Magallon 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)].
  2. That while he is under suspension, Mr. Cazarez-Magallon will not be allowed to work on the backside.

[COMAR 09.10.01.45, 'Y (1) (a).]

BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS

Date: May 30, 2026
TRACK: Laurel Park

STEWARDS:

  • Adam Campola
  • Ross R Pearce
  • Russell G Derderian

RULINGS:

#26-058 In the matter of Stable employee Leandro Gomez-Ibaceta: On May 13, 2026, Mr. Gomez-Ibaceta was requested to deliver a urine sample by the MRC Investigators. Mr. Gomez-Ibaceta stated he couldn't produce a sample at the time. Mr. Gomez-Ibaceta was told to return in 2 hours to produce a sample. Mr. Gomez-Ibaceta did not return until the next day. Before producing a sample Mr. Gomez-Ibaceta was found in possession of a syringe that was filled with urine. The syringe was confiscated and Mr. Gomez-Ibaceta then delivered a sample. The specimen he rendered tested positive for marijuana.

COMAR 09.10.03.05 A(1)(a)(i).

A hearing was held on May 23, 2026. Mr. Gomez-Ibaceta appeared in the absence of counsel and waived his right thereto. Based upon the testimony and evidence presented at the hearing, the Stewards found Leandro Gomez-Ibaceta in violation of COMAR 09.10.03.05 Drug Prohibition-Humans.

Accordingly, the Stewards hereby order:

  1. That the license issued to Leandro Gomez-Ibaceta 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)].
  2. According to COMAR 09.10.03.05 G, for a second violation, Mr. Gomez-Ibaceta must apply for reinstatement to The Maryland Racing Commission

[COMAR 09.10.01.45, Y (1) (a). 09.10.03.05 G]

BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS

Date: May 30, 2026
TRACK: Laurel Park

STEWARDS:

  • Adam Campola
  • Ross R Pearce
  • Russell G Derderian

RULINGS:

#26-059 In the matter of Stable Employee Jesus Arias-Mujucia: On May 14, 2026, Mr. Arias-Mujucia was requested to deliver a urine sample by the MRC Investigators. The specimen he rendered tested positive for marijuana.

COMAR 09.10.03.05 A(1)(a)(i).

A hearing was held on May 29, 2026. Mr. Arias-Mujucia 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 Arias-Mujucia in violation of COMAR 09.10.03.05 Drug Prohibition-Humans.

Accordingly, the Stewards hereby order:

  1. That the license issued to Jesus Arias-Mujucia 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)].
  2. That while he is under suspension, Mr. Arias-Mujucia will not be allowed to work on the backside.

[COMAR 09.10.01.45, 'Y (1) (a).]

BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS

Date: May 30, 2026
TRACK: Laurel Park

STEWARDS:

  • Adam Campola
  • Ross R Pearce
  • Russell G Derderian

RULINGS:

#26-060 In the matter of Trainer Robert Leaf, Jr.: On May 14, 2026, Mr. Leaf was requested to deliver a urine sample by the MRC Investigators. The specimen he rendered tested positive for marijuana.

COMAR 09.10.03.05 A(1)(a)(i).

A hearing was held on May 29, 2026. Mr. Leaf appeared in the absence of counsel and waived his right thereto. Based upon the testimony and evidence presented at the hearing, the Stewards found Robert Leaf, Jr. in violation of COMAR 09.10.03.05 Drug Prohibition-Humans.

Accordingly, the Stewards hereby order:

  1. That the license issued to Robert Leaf, Jr. 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)].
  2. That while he is under suspension, Mr. Leaf, Jr. will not be allowed to work on the backside.

[COMAR 09.10.01.45, 'Y (1) (a).]

BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS

Date: May 30, 2026
TRACK: Laurel Park

STEWARDS:

  • Adam Campola
  • Ross R Pearce
  • Russell G Derderian

RULINGS:

#26-061 In the matter of Trainer Robert Leaf, III: On May 15, 2026, Mr. Leaf was requested to deliver a urine sample by the MRC Investigators. Mr. Leaf refused to deliver a sample at the time. Mr. Leaf's license was suspended at that time according to COMAR 09.10.03.05 C. Refusal to submit a specimen as directed by the stewards, judges, or designated Commission representative without good cause shall subject an individual to disciplinary action as provided in this chapter, and the individual may not be permitted to continue to function in the individual's licensed capacity pending a hearing on the matter.

COMAR 09.10.03.05 C

A hearing was held on May 29, 2026. Mr. Leaf appeared in the absence of counsel and waived his right thereto. Mr. Leaf submitted to a urine test which came back negative. Based upon the testimony and evidence presented at the hearing, the Stewards have reinstated Mr. Leaf's trainers license to good standing.

[COMAR 09.10.01.45, H]

BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS

Date: May 30, 2026
TRACK: Laurel Park

STEWARDS:

  • Adam Campola
  • Ross R Pearce
  • Russell G Derderian

RULINGS:

#26-062 In the matter of Exercise Rider Leandro Briceno: On May 13, 2026, Mr. Briceno was requested to deliver a urine sample by the MRC Investigators. The specimen he rendered tested positive for marijuana.

COMAR 09.10.03.05 A(1)(a)(i).

A hearing was held on May 29, 2026. Mr. Briceno appeared in the absence of counsel and waived his right thereto. Based upon the testimony and evidence presented at the hearing, the Stewards found Leandro Briceno in violation of COMAR 09.10.03.05 Drug Prohibition-Humans.

Accordingly, the Stewards hereby order:

  1. That the license issued to Leandro Briceno 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)].
  2. That while he is under suspension, Mr. Briceno will not be allowed to work on the backside.

[COMAR 09.10.01.45, 'Y (1) (a).]

BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS