Evangeline suspends Patin brothers indefinitely

Jockeys Joe Patin Jr. and Billy Patin, who are among the leading riders at Evangeline Downs in Opelousas, La., have been suspended indefinitely by the Louisiana Racing Commission as state police and commission personnel investigate incidents involving the brothers, according to commission personnel.

Charles Gardiner, the executive director of the state racing commission, said the brothers will not be allowed to ride until the investigation is complete. He would not provide details about the investigation but confirmed that Louisiana police were involved and that the incidents occurred within the past two weeks.

“We know what’s going on, but because the investigation is ongoing, I’m limited in what I can say,” Gardiner said. “We should be able to say more in the next couple of days.”

Both Patins, who have checkered histories in the sport, were ordered off their mounts prior to Wednesday night’s card at Evangeline. Billy Patin appeared before the Evangeline stewards on Thursday morning, and Joe Patin is scheduled to appear before the stewards on Friday morning, according to officials.

Mark Guidry, the former rider who is an agent for both Patins, said on Thursday that he “would have no comment whatsoever” about the reasons for the stewards’ order. When asked if he expected either to be able to ride after the hearing, he said, “I hope so, for their sake, that everything turns out okay.”

Joe Patin ranks third in the Evangeline Downs jockey standings, while Billy Patin is sixth.

Joe Patin, who had a seven-year absence from race-riding from 1999 to 2007 while fighting substance abuse, was suspended indefinitely by the Louisiana Racing Commission in 2008 when he was arrested on several drug-related charges. He also was arrested in 2013 at Evangeline after fighting with another jockey.

Billy Patin is infamously associated with the use of an electrical device on the horse Valhol when winning the 1999 Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park. He was suspended for five years by the Arkansas Racing Commission for the violation.