Presque Isle Clerk of Scales Suspended for Negligence

The Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission has suspended Danny Hamilton, the clerk of scales at Presque Isle Downs, for 30 days following his failure to weigh out jockeys before the eighth race at the Erie, Pa., track Oct. 11.

For his negligence, the commission issued a 30-day suspension to Hamilton beginning Jan. 8, 2024, and ending on Feb. 6. During the suspension, Hamilton is denied access to all grounds under the jurisdiction of the Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission.

The primary duty of the clerk of scales at any racetrack is to verify the correct weight of each jockey at the time of weighing out before a race and weighing in after a race. According to the racing commission's website, the clerk of scales must "report any discrepancies to the racing Stewards immediately." All required data (a jockey's weight including the rider's clothing and the saddle and its attachments) are recorded on a sheet that is submitted to the horsemen's bookkeeper at the end of each race day.

Hamilton had been hired by Presque Isle as the clerk of scales earlier this year and is currently working as a placing judge at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots in New Orleans, La. Both Presque Isle Downs and Fair Grounds are owned and operated by Churchill Downs Inc.

The commission's ruling does state that Hamilton has the right to appeal.