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Just received an email from Frank Zanzuccki at the New Jersey Racing Commission. I had inquired into the results of the Mickey Burke lidocaine hearing that was scheduled for June 23rd. Here is what Frank wrote in response:

"Andrew, the [Burke] hearing was postponed pending receipt of test results by Burke's expert and is now scheduled to resume on November 13, 2008....

Also.... "Steven Slender filed a motion to over turn my decision to deny his stay request. On July 1, 2008, the Court upheld the decision and did not grant a stay. Both Slender and [Ernie] Adam are serving their suspensions pending a hearing before the Office of Administrative Law."

Pretty interesting stuff. The Burke drama drags on-- it'll be two years old by the time it's resolved. But good for the judge for not granting Slender's stay pending appeal. Just another example of why racing commissions ought to push that issue more often.

Comments

Danny Plasky said...

Andrew,
The pen is mightier than the sword. Although you and Kathy Parker are great people, and have probably led the harness media industry (with Stan Bergstein) it is your collective responsibility to investigate and hold the NJRC accountable. This is a farce and the NJRC is being an enabler.

Justice delayed is Justice denied and it only fuels either the perception that the NJRC is incompetent, crooked or just totally apathetic. And why not?

What penal;y does the NJRC suffer? Perhaps a front page story detailing this horrific judicial nightmare on the cover of the Horseman might add a little pressure? Let the NJRC rule and let the litigants appeal on their time and their money instead of our time and our money. The only power that the fans and customer has besides boycotting the pari-mutuels is to have the JOURNALISTS in our sport to step up and do their job and not accept such a vague, non-descript answer that the NJRC has offered.

posted at 3:54 PM on Jul 3rd 2008

Gabe Prewitt said...

Andrew,

I enjoy reading your blog. I found this article very interesting, and think it would be in our sport's best interest to follow the advice of the writer if this horse is as good as many of us think he is. I know you have talked about the media coverage, or lack thereof, of SBSW in your previous blogs. One would have to assume that major media outlets would start following his progress if he remained undefeated and continued to shatter records. I think the powers that be in our sport should seriously consider the positive influence an undefeated champion could bring.

I know it is very early in the year to start thinking this way, but I, for one, will be pulling for him to break all sorts of records (both speed and earnings) all the way until I get to see him live here in Lexington. Here is the article:

http://standardbredcanada.ca/trot/iss0708/viewjuly08eng.html

Thanks,

Gabe Prewitt

From Andrew: Thanks, Gabe.

posted at 5:37 PM on Jul 2nd 2008

Paul Siegel said...

The split sample tests by an independent lab confirmed the positives months ago. Testing the samples yet again is unheard of.

I'd like to know how the additional testing, which was supposed to be completed before the June 23 hearing, causes the hearing to be postponed almost five additional months.

posted at 5:13 PM on Jul 2nd 2008

doug gillies said...

If our leading race winner is involved in stays and appeals over a positive test it doesn't say much for our sport, does it.

From Andrew: Well, not every test is accurate. I just wish these could be resolved more quickly and I think in most cases it's the fault of the "defendant."

posted at 2:10 PM on Jul 2nd 2008

Burke, Slender News out of NJ Racing Commission

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