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February 2026 Thoroughbred Rulings - Maryland Racing Commission

DATE: February 18, 2026 TRACK: Laurel Park

STEWARDS: Adam Campola
Ross R Pearce
Russell G Derderian

RULINGS:
#26-015 Jockey, Jean Briceno is in violation of the HISA riding crop rule #2280 (b)(1). During
the running of the fifth race on February 13, 2026, Jockey Briceno hit his mount
“Isabella’s Glory”79 times which is in violation of the 6-strike rule. On February 15, 2026,
a hearing was held to review the race. Stewards issued the following penalty.

(1) Mr. Briceno is fined Five hundred ($500.00) dollars.
(2) Mr. Briceno is suspended two (2) race days,February 27 and 28, 2026.


COMAR 09.10.01.45 H

BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS


DATE: February 28, 2026 TRACK: Laurel Park

STEWARDS: Adam Campola
Ross R Pearce
Russell Derderian

RULINGS:
#26-016 On February 22, 2026, a protest was lodged by trainer Lacey Gaudet on behalf of owner, Sincerity Farm, regarding the claim of the horse, “Tuned to the Moon”, from owner Joanne Shankle, alleging that “Tuned to the Moon” had raced while wearing prohibited shoes in the sixth race on February 21, 2026.

HISA 2276 (a)(1) COMAR 09.10.01.17 N

The Stewards ordered an investigation into this matter.

A Stewards hearing was held on February 26, 2026. Those in attendance were Lacey Gaudet representing the interests of owner, Sincerity Farm, claimant of “Tuned to the Moon. Owner/trainer, Joanne Shankle. original owner of “Tuned to the Moon”.

Based upon the evidence of the investigation and testimony presented at the hearing, the Stewards found the following:

  1. Owner, Sincerity Farm submitted the proper claim form for the horse, “Tuned to the Moon.
  2. “Tuned to the Moon” ran in the sixth race at Laurel Park on February 21, 2026 while wearing shoes prohibited by HISA Regulation 2276 (a)(1).

Based upon the above, the Stewards order:

  1. The claim of “Tuned to the Moon” voided and instruct the return of “Tuned to the Moon” to the prior owner Joanne Shankle.
  2. The Horsemen’s Bookkeeper is further ordered to return all claim monies to the accounts of Sincerity Farm.
  3. The horse “Tuned to the Moon” is disqualified from the sixth race on February 21, 2026. All money earned from this race is to be returned to the Horsemen’s Bookkeeper.
  4. Ms. Shankle is fined Two hundred and fifty ($250.00) dollars.
  5. Owner, Sincerity Farm shall be entitled, upon submission of expense records, to recoup reasonable expenses from the prior Owner related to the care, custody and control of the Covered Horse incurred after the date of the claim.

COMAR 09.10.01.07 G (1)(2)(3) 09.10.01.17 N HISA 2262 (g)(2)

OFFICIAL ORDER OF FINISH
1st Mad for Maddy
2nd Tiz Purple
3rd Devastating
4th Krissi N
5th In Awe of Juju
6th Esroh

Tuned to the Moon- Unplaced