New Information Extends Trainer Cobb's Suspension

Ten days before Mid-Atlantic trainer Amber Cobb would have served out a 60-day suspension for abusing a horse in her care, the Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission extended that suspension Sept. 10.

"After receiving new information, the stewards summarily suspended Amber Cobb, which means she cannot operate in Delaware until she's had a hearing before the board of stewards, if she chooses to have a hearing," said Sarah Crane, executive director of the Delaware commission.

Crane said new information about Cobb was provided to the commission after a video of Cobb beating a horse tied up in a stall with a plastic pitchfork "went viral" this summer. Crane said she could not discuss what new information was provided because it would be addressed during the hearing.

"Amber is still entitled to due process and the hearing is where she will be presented with this information," said Crane. "I can tell you the new information is not related to the video."

Under Delaware rules, either the commission or stewards can "based on the report and advice of the Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau premised upon its investigation ... or other investigative sources ... may bar or eject any person, permanently or for a lesser period, from licensee's grounds or any part thereof who, by reasons of his or her past or contemplated conduct or associations is, or would be, in any direct or indirect way detrimental to the continued maintenance and promotion of high standards for honesty, integrity, and propriety in all Thoroughbred racing conducted in Delaware."

Cobb does not have any horses stabled at Delaware Park, according to Crane, and is denied access to all facilities in the state until the hearing is held.

Delaware Park stewards initially suspended Cobb for two years May 21 for "cruelty to a horse in her care," finding the "fitness of Ms. Cobb is not consistent with the best interests of racing in Delaware." The ruling did not state the name of the referenced horse or the circumstances of the alleged incident. Cobb appealed the decision to the commission and was granted a stay, during which she continued to train horses at Delaware Park.

Cobb's suspension was later reduced to 60 days by the commission after a hearing July 14. Under the terms of the amended suspension, Cobb was required to attend an anger management program approved by track stewards. Completion of the program is a requirement for her to be reinstated.

Cobb could not be reached for comment.

A trainer since 2013, Cobb has won 83 races from 872 starts with her horses making $1.35 million. She last ran horses July 21 at Delaware Park.