USTA rulings: Elbowing a horse during a race

There are two outstanding harness racing fines and suspensions this week from the USTA weekly report.

First is driver Joe Poliseno, who was fined $250 and suspended for five days as he engaged in conduct that was un-sportsmanlike, detrimental, and injurious to the sport by elbowing a trailing horse, in the head, at least two times.

Also, of note, was trainer Melanie Wrenn, who received a $1,500 fine and a 180-day suspension (the last 90 days are conditional/probationary) as her horse was administered Flunixin on race day, by an IHRC licensed veterinarian, after being presented the horse by a groom employed by Wrenn. Dr. Hollendonner was unaware that the horse was racing that day. Wrenn stated that she was unaware her horse was being treated on race day.

View Fines and Suspensions for the week of November 18, 2022, as reported to the USTA by racing commissions in the United States.

This bulletin reports actions that have been taken by the USTA and rulings as submitted by the various racing commissions in an abbreviated form; we are not responsible for the accuracy or timeliness of such information. For full ruling text, or if you have questions or concerns about the information found in this report, please contact the racing commission where the ruling was issued.

All reported rulings, current and past, may be found by using Pathway, the USTA’s official database. Although there is no charge for this information, a USTA account is required.

For a list of archived bulletins click here.

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View rulings here posted at Standardbred Canada. This information is collected and posted by Standardbred Canada. The USTA assumes no liability for errors or omission.

From the USTA and Harnesslink Media