Monmouth Park in New Jersey is a major race track.
And last night those who run it handed down a relatively soft ban that has racing folk all over the world mystified.
Jockey Tomas Mejia, after riding a winner on 3 September, was seen handing a groom a device post-race, before dismounting.
Turns out that was an illegal electronic buzzer, that he used on the horse’s neck during the race. The poor horse had been classically conditioned to respond during training to the buzzer.
But, despite irrefutable evidence, the rider was fined only $5000 and suspended for 10 years.
To be fair on the stewards, they have sent a recommendation to the New Jersey Racing Commission to have his licence revoked for the rest of his days.
No word on that as yet.
Pic caption: Banned rider Tom Mejia has electronic buzzer in his hand returning to scale
