Coach Wayne Potts with Sailor America | Sarah Andrew photo
After news that coach Wayne Potts has been suspended of the New Jersey Racing Commission during the first 30 days of its meeting at Monmouth Park, the New York Racing Association is investigating the possibility of holding a hearing and potentially suspending the coach, according to a statement. NYRA member Patrick McKenna.
The news was first reported by Dave Grenig of Daily race form.
In a TDN story on Saturday, it was revealed that on August 6, 2021, Potts is said to have told his assistant, Bonnie Lucas, not to allow one of his cadets to be harassed. slipped off the track after a race at Monmouth Park despite orders to do. so from the New Jersey Racing Commission (NJRC) veterinarian. Potts was fined $1,000 and suspended for 30 days in September, with that suspension date announced just last week.
“In the past five months alone, Wayne Potts has been suspended by both the New York State Game Commission and the New Jersey Racing Commission for a direct violation of the racing rules,” said McKenna. “Most recently, Mr Potts was shown to jeopardize the health and safety of a horse by refusing to enter a horse ambulance on the instructions of a veterinarian. This is a particularly egregious violation of his most fundamental responsibility as a trainer — to ensure the health of the horses under his care. The NYRA has granted Mr Potts the privilege to settle and race at our locations, but this conduct raises questions about whether he should continue to enjoy that privilege. The NYRA is gathering the facts needed to support the allegation and a formal administrative hearing to potentially suspend Mr. Potts from racing at Aqueduct Speedway, Belmont Park and Saratoga Racecourse. In the immediate future, the NYRA is identifying immediate options such as revoking its booth allocation at Belmont Park. ”
The news comes amid hearings being held as the NYRA tries to suspend coach Bob Baffert from racing at their facility.
Potts on the run from the New York government following an incident in August in Saratoga where he breached a “restricted” transfer rule that prohibits further requests and transfers of horses within a 30-day timeframe.
In August 2020, Potts was banned from racing and stability racing at Maryland tracks due to allegations by the Stronach Corporation that he was operating as a “program coach” on his premises. is accepting horses previously trained by suspended Marcus Vitali.
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This story was posted in Top News and tagged Marcus Vitali, NYRA investigates Potts, Patrick McKenna, racing integrity, Wayne Potts.
