02/08/2013 4:02PM

Tampa Bay bars private veterinarian from its grounds

By Matt Hegarty
Email

Tampa Bay Downs has barred a private veterinarian, Dr. Orlando Paraliticci, from its grounds, the track’s general manager, Peter Berube, confirmed Friday.

Paraliticci was barred Feb. 3, Berube said. He declined to discuss the reasons behind the order, but said that the track’s decision will be discussed during a hearing that will be held “sooner rather than later.”

Paraliticci did not immediately respond to a phone message left at his veterinary practice.

Racetracks have the authority to bar individuals from their grounds through private-property rights that have largely been upheld by the courts. In 2006, Tampa barred seven jockeys from its grounds as a result of an investigation into possible race-fixing at the track. One of the jockeys was later indicted.

Cathy Riccio 8 months ago
Does anyone know the full details of this suspension? Was this suspension involving a horse and a trainer? Or is it just the vet suspended for something he was the sole person involved? Someone, shed some light on this!
Bruce Baudoux 8 months ago
Nobody at Tampa ever tells anybody anything, that would be too transparent for the racing fan.
Greg Scherr 9 months ago
Some of you can complain all you want, I would rather see them be active and ban 1 by mistake than do nothing and allow 12 to cheat. I play from So Cal where the cheaters win and the winners cheat (Trainers) so I don't play here a fraction of what I used to, I would LOVE for mgmt. and the CHRB to be active in rooting out the crooks. Even if they make an error along the way be happy they're looking
jttf 9 months ago
the vets usually are usually ignored. good to see that they are getting some attention.
Memo Viento 9 months ago
Don't worry, Bruce. NOT ONE HORSE that races this winter at Tampa Bay Downs will run at Fort Erie in 2013, right? And that one guy they caught? He rode one of my horses at the 2005/06 Tampa meet and did stiff the horse. It was one of the races he was investigated on and found guilty of race fixing for. So stick to Woodbine or maybe Finger Lakes now and do not worry about South Central Florida racing. At least it is clean and they are racing there.
Jeffries Will 9 months ago
sorry guys, i missed the memo. which jockey got caught?
Bruce Baudoux 9 months ago
Ricardo Valdes was sentenced in absentia apparently. The rest were innocent I am assuming.
Bruce Baudoux 9 months ago
Guess ya haven't heard the news, they have a two year deal in place for racing apparently, so, unfortunately John Simms can bring back the dozen or so he's been cranking up at Tampa to grab the cash at the Fort first time back. Enjoy your racing Sir..
Joaquin Sanson 9 months ago
You are 100% correct, most trairners go to Tampa just to fit their horses.
Bruce Baudoux 9 months ago
Great record for convictions, 1 for 7, another witch hunt at Tampa Bay, what a joke. Who can possibly take this place seriously? It's a hideout for the winter for all those guys who like to get them fit at Tampa and then when they return to their own home tracks in the spring they pop first time because of their fitness edge from running over the sand at Tampa. A favourite angle for we players at Fort Erie the past several years. I just wish the place would stop their petty bull**it with all these "investigations" into nothing. Too many innocent people get blackeyes because some fool at Tampa wants to play private eye. Enough already Tampa nmanagement.
Memo Viento 9 months ago
Don't worry, Bruce. NOT ONE HORSE that races this winter at Tampa Bay Downs will run at Fort Erie in 2013. And that one guy they caught? He rode one of my horses at the 2005/06 Tampa meet and did stiff the horse. It was one of the races he was investigated on and found guilty of race fixing for. So stick to Woodbine or maybe Finger Lakes now and do not worry about South Central Florida racing. At least it is clean and they are racing there.