Barred trainer gets license

Trainer James Jackson, who was suspended for the remainder of the Great Lakes Downs meeting through Nov. 7 and fined in July for an altercation with a racing official outside the stable gate, has been issued a probationary license under a consent order with the Michigan Office of the Racing Commissioner.

Jackson filed an appeal of the suspension, which was placed in abeyance pending the outcome of a hearing with the state office of administrative hearings and rules at a date yet to be determined.

Laura Jackson, the wife of the trainer, has been training the stable since the suspension. James Jackson was issued an assistant trainer's license in order to assist during training hours. In addition, whenever Laura Jackson has a horse entered on a racing card, her husband is allowed in the paddock to help saddle. His first day back was Tuesday.