To protect the orderly conduct of racing at Penn National Race Course, the Pennsylvania State Racing Commission today ejected horse owner Michael Gill and trainer
Anthony Adamo from competing at Penn National.
In recent days, the commission has received multiple reports that the presence of Gill and Adamo at Penn National was causing a disruption of orderly conduct for racing. Those reports came via separate letters from the race course, the Jockeys of Penn National Race Course, and the Pennsylvania Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association.
Many jockeys and horsemen also informed the commission that they would not take mounts or enter their horses in races alongside Gill's horses.
As a result, the commission determined that having Gill and Adamo present would disrupt the orderly conduct of a race meet, which would create the potential for an adverse and detrimental impact on racing.
"Ensuring the integrity of racing is a top priority for the State Horse Racing Commission," said Michael Dillon, acting executive secretary of the Pennsylvania Racing Commission. "With the significant investments the commonwealth has made to ensure Pennsylvania is a premiere racing destination, it is our duty to protect against any known disruptions to thoroughbred racing."
Gill's horses earned over $6.7 million in 2009, tops in thoroughbred racing. Last week, 25 jockeys at Penn National refused to ride horses owned by Gill, who has stated he might sell all his horses and retire.
(with files from Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture)