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Smedshammer settles for 35 days, $18,000 fine for Hambo drive

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November 30, 2007

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Trond Smedshammer has finally reached a settlement agreement with the New Jersey Racing Commission (NJRC) stemming from his drive in the 2006 Hambletonian that will have him serve a 35-day suspension and be fined $18,000. Smedshammer�s suspension will begin Dec. 5 and run through Jan. 8.

Smedshammer�s drive came under question after he moved off the rail in the stretch while on the lead with the horse he was driving, Here Comes Herbie, which then allowed his other trainee, Blue Mac Lad (driven by George Brennan) to come up the inside to finish third behind the winning Glidemaster and runner-up Chocolatier. New Jersey rules allow for the uncoupling of horses in major stakes races in they have separate ownership.

The original ruling by the NJRC read in part: "...while driving the number four horse, Here Comes Herbie...he bore out allowing the number two horse, Blue Mac Lad, to needlessly pass on the inside, which constitutes what is properly known as helping. Also, he failed to maintain reasonable control of his horse at the top of the stretch, driving in a careless manner which affected the outcome of the finish."

Smedshammer was originally suspended 30 days but was issued no fine by the NJRJ. After he appealed that decision, a second ruling was issued about a month later that called for his suspension to be increased to 45 days and also added a fine of $18,000.

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