Taylor takes SBOANJ leave

Standardbred owner and attorney Howard Taylor, who also sits on the board of directors of the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey (SBOANJ), has volunteered to take a leave of absence from that position while representing recently-suspended horseman Eric Ledford.

Ledford, along with his father, Seldon, stable assistants Ryan and Ardena Dailey, and veterinarian Dr. John Witmer all recently received lengthy suspensions and fines for various rules violations following a March 31 search of the Ledford’s barn at Showplace Farm in New Jersey revealed the presence of hypodermic needles and syringes as well as the prohibited drug Aranesp.

Taylor’s role representing Ledford had been openly questioned by some to harnessracing.com and it was learned he decided to temporarily relinquish his SBOAJ role to avoid any perceived perception of a conflict of interest. Taylor told Dave Little of the New York Daily News in a story published Friday that he believes the suspension and subsequent denial of a stay of Ledford “was ludicrous” and that he plans to request another stay in the state’s Appellate Court division.

Taylor told Little he still expects to get a stay and that, “I think that (Ledford will) be back driving in two weeks.'"

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