HISA: Hot Rod Charlie Not in Violation in Lukas Classic

An investigation into the shoes worn by Hot Rod Charlie  in the Oct. 1 Lukas Classic Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs concluded the Doug O'Neill trainee was not in violation of regulations set forth by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, HISA announced in an Oct. 18 statement.

An appeal was filed with the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and board of stewards by the connections of Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) winner Rich Strike  based on images of the race, in which Rich Strike finished second by a head after a hard-fought stretch battle. 

Rich Strike's connections stated the photos appeared to show Hot Rod Charlie shod with front "toe grabs," a raised rim on the toe area of a horseshoe meant to help the horse gain traction over the track and reduce slipping. Due to potential risk factors for injury, traction devices other than full rims two millimeters or less from the ground are prohibited under HISA regulations. These include but are not limited to toe grabs. Before the creation of HISA, the KHRC adopted the Jockey Club Safety Committee's recommendation to outlaw front toe grabs higher than two millimeters. 

KHRC stewards, acting in a HISA capacity via the voluntary agreement the KHRC has entered into with HISA to implement HISA's rules, conducted the investigation—which fell under HISA's jurisdiction due to the appeal calling into question a violation of HISA regulations.

"The stewards concluded that Hot Rod Charlie was not in violation of HISA's horseshoe rules," read HISA's statement. "After an independent review of the documents and related evidence submitted by the stewards, HISA has determined that the investigation was well conducted and thorough, and agrees with the conclusion of the stewards."

O'Neill issued a statement Oct. 4 regarding Hot Rod Charlie's footwear.

"I swear on a stack of Bibles, that none of the horses in our stable wears toe grabs, and have not for years," the statement read in part. "I am 100% behind the science and studies that show toe grabs heighten the risk of limb injury, which is why we stopped using shoes with toe grabs long ago."

Rich Strike's owner, Richard Dawson of RED TR-Racing, said he plans to review HISA's findings.

"Without access to the information uncovered in their investigation, it would be premature for me to make a fact-based comment," Dawson told BloodHorse via email. "I requested details over last week or so and was told by their attorney that no information will be shared during an active investigation. 

"Now that their investigation is complete, I will again request information discovered & interview notes, if any, that was considered and thereby, becoming the basis for their ruling."

Hot Rod Charlie and Rich Strike may meet again in the near future at Keeneland, where Hot Rod Charlie is training toward a start in the Nov. 5 Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) for Roadrunner Racing, Boat Racing, Straus Bros Racing, and Gainesway Thoroughbreds. Rich Strike is under consideration for a start in the Classic or could bypass that event to run in the Nov. 25 Clark Stakes Presented by Norton Healthcare (G1) at Churchill. Although Sonny Leon was suspended 15 days after an aggressive ride on Rich Strike in the Lukas Classic, trainer Eric Reed previously stated Leon will keep the mount.

"At this point, Rich Strike is working well and preparing for his next race," Dawson said. "Our focus hasn't changed during this two week-plus investigation since the Lukas as to our training and racing plans for Richie."

BloodHorse has placed an open records request with the KHRC to obtain the stewards' report and supporting documents from the investigation.