Ray Handal

It was just a claiming race, but when Ray Handal was standing in the Saratoga winner's circle Friday after a win by his Thinkaboutit (Upstart) in the day's eighth race, he was overcome with emotion. It was a victory he will never forget, understandable considering what he had just been put through. "A short time before that, I didn't know if I'd ever be in the winner's circle again," the 34-year-old trainer said. "To come back and win with a horse who we didn't have much in the way of...

Every week, the TDN publishes a roundup of key official rulings from the primary tracks within the four major racing jurisdictions of California, New York, Florida and Kentucky. Here's a primer on how each of these jurisdictions adjudicates different offenses, what they make public (or not) and where. The TDN will also post a roundup of the relevant Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) related rulings from the same week. These will include decisions from around the country. New York Track: Belmont Park Date: 06/27/2023 Licensee: Manuel Franco, jockey Penalty:...

After considering the findings submitted by attorney Clark Brewster, the Horse Racing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU) has lifted the provisional suspension imposed on trainer Raymond Handal on Saturday, July 1 after a test detected the presence of Zeranol and Zearalenone in the urine sample taken from his horse, Barrage (War Dancer), May 28 at Belmont Park. "Pursuant to ADMC Program Rule 3247(e), HIWU has lifted the Provisional Suspension based upon information submitted by the Covered Person and the review of relevant scientific information. The Equine Anti-Doping Notice has not...

Trainer Raymond Handal has been provisionally suspended by the Horse Racing Welfare and Integrity Unit after his horse Barrage (War Dancer) returned a positive  test for the banned substance Zeranol after finishing second in an optional claiming allowance at Belmont May 28. Handal's provisional suspension starts July 1. Under the regulations, Handal has the right to request a provisional hearing and the analysis of the B sample, but must do so by July 5. The ruling was posted on the HIWU website Saturday morning. No further details were given. Zeranol...

Less than 24 hours after Defining Purpose (Cross Traffic) caused a 20-1 boilover in the GI Central Bank Ashland S. at Keeneland, Promiseher America (American Pharoah) followed suit with another long-odds victory in Saturday's GIII Gazelle S. at Aqueduct. Taking a steep rise in class, having graduated by better than a half-dozen lengths going this track's one-turn mile Feb. 19, the $75,000 OBS April graduate was alertly away and settled just off the flank of the rail-drawn Capella (Quality Road) through a half-mile in a moderate :49.60 as favored Occult...

Every week, the TDN publishes a roundup of key official rulings from the primary tracks within the four major racing jurisdictions of California, New York, Florida and Kentucky. Here's a primer on how each of these jurisdictions adjudicates different offenses, what they make public (or not) and where. CALIFORNIA Track: Santa Anita Date: 05/20/2022 Licensee: Abel Cedillo, jockey Penalty: $500 fine Violation: Excessive use of the whip Explainer: Jockey Abel Cedillo is fined $500.00 for violation of California Horse Racing Board Rule #1688(b)(8)(d) (Use of Riding Crop - more than...

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched for Ray Handal's longtime assistant trainer Jose Mejia, who incurred multiple injuries during a training accident Sunday at Turfway Park. Handal's traveling assistant was unseated from his mount, who stumbled and landed on top of him, causing the 33-year-old Mejia to incur 10 broken ribs and four broken vertebrae. Handal said Mejia has undergone surgery but currently has no feeling below his ribcage. "He's a great guy and has given us so much. He's like a brother to me," Handal said. "He's been with...