Desormeaux failed Breathalyzer test

Hall of Fame jockey Kent Desormeaux was removed from his final two mounts at Del Mar on Wednesday by track stewards after failing a Breathalyzer test midway through the program, steward Scott Chaney said on Thursday.

The matter has been referred to California Horse Racing Board investigators, Chaney said. The investigators may file a complaint in the matter, seeking sanctions.

Despite the infraction, Desormeaux was permitted to ride at Del Mar on Thursday and Friday. He is booked to ride Texas Red in the $600,000 Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga on Saturday. On Sunday, Desormeaux is booked to ride Keen Ice in the $1.75 million Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park.

Desormeaux met with stewards for approximately 10 minutes in an informal hearing Thursday. Initially, Chaney and fellow stewards Kim Sawyer and Tom Ward did not disclose the reason for Desormeaux being removed from his mounts Wednesday but offered an explanation late Thursday morning.

Desormeaux did not return a phone call seeking comment.

Desormeaux, 45, has had three instances of failed Breathalyzer tests in the last five years – at Woodbine in July 2010, Belmont Park in May 2012, and Santa Anita last year. After the Santa Anita infraction, Desormeaux was fined $1,000 and ordered to undergo counseling and be available for Breathalyzer tests for a period of 90 days, which ended last November.