CHRB investigating claim of Arch Prince

DEL MAR, Calif. – The California Horse Racing Board has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the $20,000 claim of winner Arch Prince from Thursday’s fifth race at Del Mar, focusing on the relationship between previous trainer Val Brinkerhoff and new trainer Bobby Wayne Grayson.

Brinkerhoff and Grayson’s son, Bobby Jr., co-own Restrainedvengence, the winner of the Oceanside Stakes at Del Mar on July 18. Bobby Grayson Jr. was listed as the owner of Arch Prince on the claim slip, with Bobby Wayne Grayson listed as trainer.

The issue drew the attention of the racing board after Arch Prince was taken back Brinkerhoff’s stable after the race. The racing board has a rule that prohibits owners and trainers from making “any agreement with any other person or racing interest for the protection of each other’s horses in any claiming race.”

Brinkerhoff said in an interview on Friday that he claimed Arch Prince on behalf of the senior Grayson, who he said was unable to attend the race and complete the claim because of illness. Grayson plans to train Arch Prince, Brinkerhoff said.

“He wanted to claim it himself,” Brinkerhoff said. “I know it doesn’t look good.

“It was my stupidity. He had every right to claim the horse. I was trying to help the guy out.”

The investigation could result in a hearing before track stewards. There is a possibility that Brinkerhoff could face a sanction for the claim, pending the results of the investigation and a potential hearing before track stewards.

Brinkerhoff said Grayson intends to take Arch Prince to Los Alamitos.

“There was nothing done illegally,” he said.