Tampa Bay bars private veterinarian from its grounds

Tampa Bay Downs has barred a private veterinarian, Dr. Orlando Paraliticci, from its grounds, the track’s general manager, Peter Berube, confirmed Friday.

Paraliticci was barred Feb. 3, Berube said. He declined to discuss the reasons behind the order, but said that the track’s decision will be discussed during a hearing that will be held “sooner rather than later.”

Paraliticci did not immediately respond to a phone message left at his veterinary practice.

Racetracks have the authority to bar individuals from their grounds through private-property rights that have largely been upheld by the courts. In 2006, Tampa barred seven jockeys from its grounds as a result of an investigation into possible race-fixing at the track. One of the jockeys was later indicted.