Tampa rider is held with buzzer

Jockey Larry Mejias was arrested Thursday afternoon at Tampa Bay Downs when he was found to have an electrical device in his left palm shortly before he was slated to ride in the third race.

The 39-year-old Mejias, who had ridden four horses at the current meeting with no winners, was searched by Tampa Bay security personnel then was arrested by Hillsborough County Sheriff's deputies and charged with cheating and attempting to prearrange the outcome of a horse race, felony charges in the state of Florida.

Stewards would not comment on the matter Thursday afternoon.