Disease outbreak, jockey investigation rock horse track
Wednesday, December 20, 2006 7:11
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A disease affecting horses and jockey suspensions has rocked Tampa Bay Downs.
Tampa Bay Downs is drawing a line around its barns, keeping new horses and hopefully a dreaded disease out.
That's not the only thing going on during this busy racing season. Some award winning jockeys are being forced out as well.
Tampa Bay Downs is taking protective measures against both issues.
Tampa Bay Downs issues
The Hillsborough County horse track is denying admission to its main barn area because of a herpes virus outbreak in Florida. The equine herpes virus has already killed at least three show horses at the Wellington track in Palm Beach County.
No horses have been affected at Tampa Bay Downs, but officials fear it could spread since other confirmed cases have been found in Ocala and Jupiter.
When the horses get infected, respiratory disease occurs in younger horses, miscarriages in mares and neurologic disease also occurs that may result in owners putting down the animals.
Seven jockeys have been suspended.
The track will hold an informational meeting Wednesday for all of its horse owners.
Meanwhile, a jockey investigation is underway at the track.
Track officials have suspended Jorge G. Bracho, Derek C. Bell, Luis A. Castillo, Jose H. Delgado, Terry D. Houghton, Joseph C. Judice and Ricardo A. Valdes as part of an on-going investigation into betting fraud.
The Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau is conducting the case. The bureau is owned by an organization of race tracks.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006 7:11
<HR>
A disease affecting horses and jockey suspensions has rocked Tampa Bay Downs.
Tampa Bay Downs is drawing a line around its barns, keeping new horses and hopefully a dreaded disease out.
That's not the only thing going on during this busy racing season. Some award winning jockeys are being forced out as well.
Tampa Bay Downs is taking protective measures against both issues.
Tampa Bay Downs issues
- See how an equine virus and jockey suspensions have the Hillsborough County horse track under scrutiny. (no audio)
The Hillsborough County horse track is denying admission to its main barn area because of a herpes virus outbreak in Florida. The equine herpes virus has already killed at least three show horses at the Wellington track in Palm Beach County.
No horses have been affected at Tampa Bay Downs, but officials fear it could spread since other confirmed cases have been found in Ocala and Jupiter.
When the horses get infected, respiratory disease occurs in younger horses, miscarriages in mares and neurologic disease also occurs that may result in owners putting down the animals.
Seven jockeys have been suspended.
The track will hold an informational meeting Wednesday for all of its horse owners.
Meanwhile, a jockey investigation is underway at the track.
Track officials have suspended Jorge G. Bracho, Derek C. Bell, Luis A. Castillo, Jose H. Delgado, Terry D. Houghton, Joseph C. Judice and Ricardo A. Valdes as part of an on-going investigation into betting fraud.
The Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau is conducting the case. The bureau is owned by an organization of race tracks.
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