On Friday, July 24, California Horse Racing Board licensed owner Martin Wygod and his attorney requested to meet with the stewards assigned to the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club race meet
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Wygod presented a letter, addressed to the Stewards, wherein he requested Steward Ingrid Fermin to recuse herself from any race in which a horse of his was running, but stated no factual basis for the request. The letter did refer to California Code of Civil Procedure section 170.1, which generally addresses disqualification of a judge for cause. This section was not applicable.
Fermin considered the request and informed Wygod she would not recuse herself from adjudicating races in which his horses ran. Fermin did indicate she would revisit his request if circumstances warranted. Moreover, arrangements were made for a fourth Steward to be in the Stewards Stand during the running of the race. The race ran without incident and, therefore, the question of recusal was rendered moot.
Pursuant to Rule 1546 of the California Horse Racing Board, all complaints against Stewards are to be made in writing to the Executive Director of the Board and signed by the complainant. In addressing his letter to the assigned Stewards to the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club race meet, Wygod did not adhere to the dictates of Rule 1546. Consequently, his request should not have been considered by the Stewards assigned to the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club race meet.
(CHRB)