Meche hearing postponed

A hearing before the Louisiana State Racing Commission concerning the suspension of jockey Donnie Meche for his ride on Cleaning House on Jan. 23 at Delta Downs has been postponed. The hearing had been scheduled for Monday, but the commission granted Meche's lawyer a continuance.

A new hearing date has not been set, and Meche still is not permitted to ride.

Stewards at Delta gave Meche a six-month suspension for his ride on Cleaning House in a trial for the $30,000 Graduation Futurity. Cleaning House, who returned to win the Graduation Futurity, finished third as the heavy favorite in his trial. The Delta stewards suspended Meche for what they termed not doing his best to win the race.

Fair Grounds stewards issued a ruling against Meche on Jan. 11 for violation of the human drug-testing program. The ruling carries a 30-day suspension, and a commission official said it is this ruling that currently bars Meche from riding.