Ban reduced for two Delta riders

Jockeys Jason Eads and Hector Santiago, who were suspended six months by the Delta Downs board of stewards for "giving money to the clerk of scales," during the meet that ended in March, had their suspensions reduced but fines imposed in a case heard Monday by the Louisiana Racing Commission.

Eads and Santiago will serve 90-day suspensions and were fined $2,500 each, according to Larry Munster, assistant executive director of the commission.

Matt Provost, the former clerk of scales at Delta who had also been suspended six months, was to have a hearing Monday but he was not present and remains suspended, said Munster.

Trainer Terry Vance had his suspension for a Class 2 medication violation at Delta Downs reduced from six months to 60 days and was fined $1,500.

* Fair Grounds in New Orleans will return to its traditional Thanksgiving Day start for its 2010-2011 season after the commission approved its request for an 84-date meet. The season will open Nov. 25 and run through March 27. Fair Grounds will run Quarter Horses from Sept. 14-25, and Nov. 19-20.

Delta received approval for an 88-date Thoroughbred meet, from Oct. 27 to March 26, 2011. Evangeline will race 46 Quarter Horse dates, from Oct. 5 to Dec. 18.