HISA Requests Lukas Classic Images From Photographers

An attorney representing the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority contacted a group of photographers Nov. 10, asking them to provide "a copy of any and all original" photographs of the Oct. 1 Lukas Classic Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs related to a continued investigation into that race, according to Rick Dawson, owner of runner-up Rich Strike .

In an email to BloodHorse Nov. 15, Dawson forwarded a screenshot of the written request by HISA attorney Bryan Beauman and wrote, "The fans and participants deserve a detailed investigation in all racing disputes as soon as is reasonably possible."

The latest developments follow Dawson's appeal, via attorney Barry Hunter, of a Kentucky Horse Racing Commission investigation and subsequent HISA decision that upheld the results of the $498,000 race, in which Hot Rod Charlie  defeated Rich Strike by a head.

The Lukas Classic came under KHRC investigation after some photographs taken from the race appeared to show protrusions from the front shoes of Hot Rod Charlie, which his trainer, Doug O'Neill, emphatically denied existed.

Front shoes with traction devices, known as toe grabs, are prohibited by HISA regulations.

In the days after the race, KHRC stewards conducted an investigation, which fell under HISA's jurisdiction due to its rules related to horseshoes—and concluded that Hot Rod Charlie was not in violation. HISA said in a statement that it "determined the investigation was well conducted and thorough, and agrees with the conclusion of the stewards."

An open records request of KHRC documents by BloodHorse showed that stewards examined other photos of Hot Rod Charlie, placing some into records that appear to show no toe grabs, and considered evidence of Hot Rod Charlie's shoes in the days after the race in their decision.

Per the KHRC documents, KHRC equine medical director Bruce Howard examined Hot Rod Charlie Oct. 4 and reported there was no traction device on his shoes, which Howard said showed enough wear to indicate they had been on the horse for "quite some time."

A paddock blacksmith is also responsible on race day in Kentucky for ensuring all horses compete with permitted shoes, according to the KHRC. 

The two horses subsequently raced in the Longines Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) at Keeneland, with Rich Strike finishing fourth and Hot Rod Charlie sixth, both well behind runaway victor Flightline  . Hot Rod Charlie races for owners Roadrunner Racing, Boat Racing, Gainesway Stable, and Strauss Bros Racing.

In an interview with BloodHorse late last month, Dawson said he didn't feel the KHRC "did a detailed and in-depth investigation" and that HISA approved it without expanded examination. HISA announced Oct. 31 that it would allow the connections of the top two finishers from the Lukas Classic to present evidence to its enforcement team for evaluation and recommendation to HISA's board of directors.

Dawson wrote that it is his understanding that some raw data has already been provided, supporting their appeal, but a date hasn't been set for a hearing. "Gathering further information and evidence at this juncture, and obviously, depending on the evidence and findings of the professionals; that will dictate our next action, if any," he wrote.

A HISA spokesperson declined to comment beyond the organization's Oct. 31 announcement.