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State of Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security
Division of State Police
Superintendent Thomas F. Mac Leish |
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DSP News Release: May 13, 2009- Investigators Still At It in Horse Tampering Case
Location of Incident: Delaware Park, 777 Delaware Park Boulevard, Newark, Delaware, New Castle County
Date of Occurrence: October 16, 2007, Race #8
Suspect(s): Unknown at this time.
Resume: Investigators from the Delaware State Police Criminal Investigative Unit have been looking into a horse racing ‘sponging’ incident from October of 2007.
In this case, a race horse, Maren’s Meadow, was favored to win Race #8 (according to the betting line), and instead of winning, it came in 3rd. Those close to the horse, the owner and trainer, were shocked by the outcome of the race and were left wondering what happened.
Several days later, the trainer was working with the horse and noticed a foul smell coming from the animal. An examination by an equine trainer revealed a sponge which had been shoved up into the horse’s nasal area. Luckily, the sponge was removed prior to any permanent damage or serious infection.
The results of the vet’s exam were forwarded to DSP and an investigation was launched into the ‘sponging’- the deliberate act of restricting a horse’s ability to breath thus affecting the outcome of a race.
Because of the nature of horse racing, those involved in this sport travel around the country, and the world, which makes locating witnesses and tips hard to come by. With live racing underway at Delaware Park and a special event this weekend, investigators have a short window to gather leads. The hope is that individuals may be in town now that know something about this case.
Anyone with information pertaining to this investigation is encouraged to call 302-834-2630 ext. 319 Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.
Maren’s Meadow Information Source: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/thoroughbred/marens-meadow/2005?source=BHonline
Photo: Jessica Denver/EQUI-PHOTO
Trainer: J. Larry Jones Jockey: Terry J. Thompson Owner: River Ridge Ranch LLC
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