Vazquez's 90-Day Ban for Fighting Upheld
Description:
A 90-day suspension of leading Delaware Park trainer Juan Vazquez for his role in a fight earlier this year was upheld Oct. 8 in an unanimous decision by the Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission.
Vazquez allegedly punched jockey Trevor McCarthy in an altercation near the scale area following the running of the fourth race June 23. Delaware Park stewards suspended the trainer for 90 calendar days June 26 for disorderly conduct and fined him $2,500. The penalty was stayed, however, pending Vazquez's appeal to the commission.
Following a hearing Wednesday, the racing commission upheld the stewards' ruling in its entirety. In addition to the suspension and fine, Vazquez must attend and complete an anger management program approved by the stewards.
John F. Wayne, executive director of the racing commission, said a decision on the order with terms of the finding would be forthcoming at its next meeting scheduled Nov. 13.
Vazquez, with 43 winners from 198 starters at Delaware, is 14 victories ahead of second-place Scott Lake in the trainer standings.
He was originally ordered to serve the suspension from June 29 through Sept. 26.