Greg Peck speaks out on $5k fine and 2-year suspension

The PA Harness Racing Commission (PHRC) has imposed a $5,000 fine and two-year driving suspension on Greg Peck for an infraction in the 13th race on November 10, 2022, at Harrah’s Philadelphia. Peck was “summarily suspended” by Presiding Judge Dan Kazmaier on November 11.

Summarily suspend means the immediate suspension of a permit issued by the state regulatory authority without the permit holder being granted the opportunity to contest the action prior to the effective date and time of the suspension.

Peck stated he attended a hearing on November 13 with the judges at Harrah’s Philadelphia. Following the hearing Kazmaier verbally advised the “summarily suspended” would stand. Kazmaier also confirmed in the November 11 document that stated he could appeal the Ruling to the PHRC within 10 days.

When asked, Peck said the following concerning the actual incident on the racetrack with driver Marcus Miller.

“Firstly, I drive in a safe, calculated manner in the best interest of the horse, the owner and betting public,” Peck said. “What happened was an infraction that happens in harness racing, and it was absolutely unintentionally. Some would say if you saw the head on view that maybe Marcus should have taken a hold, as you would on a highway to prevent a protentional accident.

“However, I respect Marcus and the entire Miller family,” Peck explained. “My family and his have a long-standing relationship. Therefore, I apologized to Marcus at Pocono Downs on the Monday after.

“Just because you apologize does not always determine who is right and who is wrong,” Peck explained. “But I thought it was the gentlemanly and respectful thing to do.”

HARRAH’S PHILADELPHIA RACE REPLAY

When asked about the statement from the Ruling that said, “The judges` consideration that the interference might have been intentional was confirmed while speaking to Mr. Peck on the phone during the post-race inquiry.” Peck replied.

“I never said that” Peck stated. “And to make matters worse, when we requested for the audio tape of the judge’s inquiry in speaking with me, they said they had not recorded the conversation.”

On November 14 Peck was advised via telephone by Anthony Salerno, the Executive Director of the PHRC, that he could not appeal. Salerno said the Harrah’s Philadelphia Judges made a mistake providing a document that stated the ability to Appeal.

Salerno also advised Peck he had never heard of a driver being summarily suspended in PA for a driving infraction. Without notice, Peck was taken off Highgate in the 6th race on November 14 at The Downs at Mohegan Sun.

On December 6 Peck was emailed the penalty which stated he was suspended from driving for 2 years and a fine of $5,000. It also stated after the two years was served and the fine was paid, he could apply for a Qualifying or Fair Driver’s License with the United States Trotting Association.

Peck appeared before Salerno at the PHRC headquarters in Harrisburg on December 7. The Executive Director accepted his Appeal but Denied a Stay to enable Peck to continue driving until the Appeal is heard.

Peck has retained the legal services of Killian & Gephart, a Harrisburg based firm that specializes in human rights violations, concerning state and federal matters in the Commonwealth.

Greg Peck is best known for purchasing, training and developing the great racehorse and trotting stallion Muscle Hill. He was also awarded the 2009 Glen Garnsey Award by the United States Harness Writers Association as Trainer of The Year.

by Steve Wolf, for Harnesslink