CHRB to investigate another late-announced gelding
The California Horse Racing Board will conduct an investigation into why Trapalanda was not identified as a gelding until approximately 20 minutes before he won a $50,000 claiming race for maidens at Del Mar on Saturday, track stewards said.
The announcement that Trapalanda had been gelded since his last start was made to the public before he ran in the fifth race, the first leg of the pick six, but long after the start of other multi-race wagers, such as the pick five and the pick three.
Trapalanda, trained by Ron Ellis, was listed in the program as a colt. He was found to be a gelding in the receiving barn before the field was sent to the paddock.
Trapalanda was claimed by Slugo Racing and trainer Mike Puype in a two-way shake. Puype said he was aware Trapalanda was a gelding well before the race was run, and was contacted after the race by stewards, who offered to void the claim. Puype said he told the stewards he wanted the claim to stand.
Trapalanda, by Slew’s Tiznow, won the six-furlong race by a half-length as the 8-5 favorite.
Pending the racing board’s investigation, Ellis may face a fine for failing to note Trapalanda was a gelding at the time of entry.
The issue of horses that are racing as a gelding for the first time and how that information is presented to the public has been at the forefront of California racing in recent days.
On Thursday, the racing board discussed implementation of a rule to scratch a horse who is racing as gelding for the first time if the information is not presented to the public before the start of betting on the card.
A potential rule change is months from being implemented because of a lengthy discussion process and legal review.