Harness: Indictments against prominent industry participants

A Federal indictment came down on Monday March 9 implicating numerous participants in the harness industry. A full listing of the accused can be found here, but they include prominent trainers Nick Surick, Chris Oakes, Rick Dane Jr. and Chris Marino.

Surick, who is currently second in training wins in North America with 76 in 2020, faces the stiffest potential penalties according to the indictment. The maximum penalties could total 50 years behind bars.

Handed down by the Southern District of New York, the indictment also included prominent Thoroughbred trainers and more on the story can be found here.

Both the United States Trotting Association and Woodbine CEO Jim Lawson released statements on the issue:

USTA Statement:

The U.S. Trotting Association has been cooperating for several years with official investigations, several of which now have reached the indictment stage in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.

“Having worked in the criminal justice system some years ago, I’m acutely aware of the presumption of innocence that applies from indictment through trial,” said Russell Williams, USTA President. “At the same time, it’s essential to the administration of justice and to the health of our industry for anyone with knowledge of possibly illegal activity to cooperate with law enforcement authorities. It is imperative that our sport is conducted fairly and with integrity.”

In his official statement, U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman states that “the care and respect due to the animals competing, as well as the integrity of racing, are matters of deep concern.”

We fully concur.

The USTA will continue to monitor the situation, but as a matter of policy regarding all pending legal proceedings, will have no further comment.

Woodbine Statement:

“While today’s news is very disappointing, it’s a necessary development and further evidence that horse racing requires a higher level of coordinated regulation across all North American jurisdictions. It’s also a strong statement that the use of performance enhancing drugs will not be tolerated. Hopefully this permeates through the industry and changes the culture at all levels of horse racing. While Woodbine Entertainment was not specifically involved in this investigation, we are extremely supportive of all efforts to eradicate cheating and the use of PEDs in our sport. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this investigation. Even though the vast majority of trainers do not use PEDs, it’s important that we all work together for the betterment of horse racing and the welfare of our horses.”