Jockey Melancon Arrested in Louisiana

Jockey Gerard Melancon was arrested Aug. 26 in Louisiana on a charge of "unnatural stimulation of horses" at Evangeline Downs, according to an Aug. 30 story by Paulick Report. 

The article cites the information as coming from the St. Landry Parish sheriff's office and the Louisiana state police. 

Louisiana State Racing Commission executive director Charles Gardiner told Paulick that the investigation is focused on the "possible possession of an electrical device."

Gardiner said Evangeline Downs stewards were informed of an incident and contacted state police.

An unnamed state police public information officer is quoted who could not comment further because there is an "ongoing investigation."

According to the report, Melancon was "released after bail was set at $20,000." A court date "has not been scheduled, pending formal charges by the district attorney."

Melancon is the eighth winningest jockey at Evangeline Downs since April 6, having earned $548,350. He completed the meet with 29 wins from 180 starts.

He rode at Louisiana Downs Aug. 28 and is scheduled for two mounts at the Bossier City track Sept. 4.

For his career, which began in 1984, Melancon has 32,444 starts with 5,079 wins and $89,769,187 in earnings. 

In 2021, the New York Racing Association named Melancon a candidate for the Mike Venezia Memorial Award, which is given to a jockey who displays extraordinary sportsmanship and citizenship.