At the White Pine County Races in Ely, a horse left the course over the outside rail, with another rearing and causing the jockey to fall. Each of these incidents resulted in $750 fines.
Modifications to the course have been made since last year, with the outside rail being raised and barriers put in place to prevent any horses from leaving the course in future races.
At the Elko races, post-race urine and blood tests revealed horses had illegal substances in their systems, one instance including a banned anti-inflammatory medication.
A further incident at Elko involved a horse being treated with more than one medication for a post-training injury, a method known as ‘stacking,’ which is forbidden under gaming regulations.
These instances again resulted in $750 fines in both cases; however, it was determined that both incidents were the result of error and not attempts to cheat.
Elko’s Control Board Enforcement Division supervisor, Brian Macintosh, said the upcoming races gave no cause for concern, but that board members had been briefed on last year’s problems.
The board voted unanimously to recommend authorising the races, for both Agriculture District No. 13, 19-21 August in Ely, and the Elko County Fair Board, 26 August – 5 September in Elko.
Final approval will be considered by the Nevada Gambling Commission at its meeting on 23 June.
Eastern Nevada horse races are well-attended events featuring thoroughbreds and quarter horses. There are usually six to 10 races held per day and parimutuel betting is allowed.
