Chapa Allegedly Committed Same Offense in '14
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Already facing a five-year suspension, $100,000 fine, and criminal charges for allegedly carrying an electrical device during a winning ride in a stakes at Sam Houston Race Park earlier this year, jockey Roman Chapa is now accused of the same violation in the same race with the same horse in 2014.
The Texas Racing Commission notified Chapa April 1 that he allegedly violated racing rules by "carrying an electrical shocking device when riding in and winning" the Richard King Turf Stakes Jan. 18, 2014.
Chapa has been suspended five years and fined $100,000 for his alleged use of an illegal electrical device while winning this year's edition of the same stakes Jan. 17 of this year. Chapa has appealed that disciplinary action.
In addition to the alleged violations of racing regulations, Chapa has been charged with a felony of unlawful influence on racing in connection with this year's alleged incident.
An April 16 hearing has been set on the latest charges, unless Chapa waives his right to appeal or requests the hearing be held sooner.
TRC spokesman Robert Elrod said he could not comment on what led to the commission's charges that Chapa had committed the same violation a year ago.
Stewards began an investigation of Chapa after he contacted the track photographer, Coady Photography, about removing from the track's website a photo from this year's winning ride in the Richard King Turf Stakes that apparently showed the rider holding an object in his left hand. Chapa was summarily suspended and has not ridden since Jan. 18 of this year.