Rider Beitia banned from Philadelphia Park

Jockey Alex Beitia joined the growing list of jockeys banned by American

racetracks when Philadelphia Park ruled him off the grounds Tuesday, according to the

Daily Racing Form. The decision came down from Philadelphia Park management

due to a current investigation being carried out by the Thoroughbred Racing

Protective Bureau (TRPB).

"I have a pretty good idea what it's all about, but we're not making any

further comment," Philadelphia Park General Manger Hal Handel told the DRF.

Beitia continues to ride at Laurel Park, where he is listed on one mount for

Friday's card.

"We're letting him ride," said Lou Raffetto, Laurel's senior vice president

of racing. "I know Philly barred him, but I haven't been told by anyone what

this investigation is about, and no one has made me aware of any details of what

is going on. I don't think it's right to ban someone just because of someone

else's opinions."

Beitia became the 10th jockey banned from a track, joining Rene Douglas and

Jose Bracho (banned from Calder) as well as Jorge G. Bracho, Derek C. Bell, Luis

A. Castillo, Jose H. Delgado, Terry D. Houghton, Joseph C. Judice and Ricardo A.

Valdes (banned from Tampa Bay Downs).

The bans at Tampa Bay have been linked to an ongoing TRPB investigation into

a race this past summer at Great Lakes Downs, which initially came under

scrutiny from Great Lakes management.