Desormeaux on Probation, to Undergo Testing for Alcohol

Jockey Kent Desormeaux was placed on probation in a June 9 ruling issued by California stewards that will require the Hall of Fame jockey to be tested for alcohol before riding races or exercising horses in the state. The requirements are for the remainder of his current license, which extends through Feb. 28, 2024, the ruling indicated.

His probation comes after a complaint was filed April 8, alleging the Hall of Fame rider failed an alcohol breathalyzer test administered by CHRB investigators at Santa Anita Park prior to riding in the first race March 31. He was removed from his mounts.

The June 9 ruling from Santa Anita Park stewards cited him for violations of CHRB rules 1874 (disorderly conduct), 1680 (jockeys and drivers to report), and 1485 (license subject to conditions and agreements).

The latest sanction states that if CHRB investigators detect the presence of alcohol during testing (anything greater than 0.00) his license will be summarily suspended until a hearing before the stewards and a ruling is issued. They also noted that upon renewal of his license, a testing agreement will be part of his next license period.

Desormeaux has a history of troubles with alcohol and has served suspensions in California for disorderly conduct. He went to rehab last year.

1/ST Racing, the operators of Santa Anita, barred him from riding at its tracks for a period before clearing him to ride before the winter/spring meet began in December at Santa Anita.