NYRA Pondering Disciplinary Hearing for Potts

The New York Racing Association is taking steps to conduct a disciplinary hearing over the actions of Wayne Potts following New Jersey stewards suspending him for 30 days for conduct detrimental to racing during last year's meet at Monmouth Park.

"In just the last five months, Wayne Potts has been suspended by both the New York State Gaming Commission and the New Jersey Racing Commission due to conduct in direct violation of the rules of racing," said Pat McKenna, NYRA's vice president of communications. "Most recently, Mr. Potts was proven to have jeopardized the health and safety of a horse by refusing to allow the horse to enter an equine ambulance as directed by a regulatory veterinarian. This is a particularly egregious breach of his most fundamental responsibility as a trainer—to ensure the well-being of horses under his care. 

"NYRA has afforded Mr. Potts the privilege of stabling and racing at our venues," he added, "but this pattern of conduct calls into question whether he should continue to enjoy that privilege. NYRA is gathering the necessary facts to support a statement of charges and a formal administrative hearing to potentially suspend Mr. Potts from participating in racing at Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park, and Saratoga Race Course. In the near term, NYRA is determining immediate options such as revoking his stall allotment at Belmont Park."

Potts was suspended in September for 20 days by New York regulators after a claiming violation. He told Daily Racing Form Jan. 22 that he intends to appeal the New Jersey suspension and the $1,000 fine associated with it. Stewards scheduled the suspension this spring.

His assistant trainer, Bonnie Lucas, was also suspended and fined by Monmouth.