Trainer Orlando Noda, a prominent figure in the horse racing world, will be serving a 90-day suspension following an incident from 2021. The incident, which took place at Saratoga, involved the alleged mistreatment of a horse during morning training. After an appeal was denied by an appellate court judge, Noda will now face the consequences of his actions. This article provides details on the suspension, the incident itself, and the legal proceedings surrounding it.
What Happened to Orlando Noda?
In August 2021, during a morning training session at Saratoga, Noda was accused of mistreating a horse named Win With Pride. Reports suggest that he struck the horse seven times over five minutes and used abusive language when the horse refused to train. This incident sparked an investigation by the New York State Gaming Commission.
Legal Proceedings and Noda’s Appeal
After the commission imposed a suspension on Noda, he appealed the decision. In 2022, an initial hearing officer, David Devaprasad, recommended dismissing the charges, saying that the rules on horse training were too vague and the investigation into the incident was insufficient. However, the New York Gaming Commission disagreed and decided to reinstate the penalties against Noda.
Noda, through his attorney Drew Mollica, appealed the ruling again, taking the matter to the New York Supreme Court’s appellate division. The court recently confirmed the commission’s decision, finding that Noda’s actions could be considered conduct “detrimental to the best interests of racing.” The court based its decision on the testimonies of witnesses and the understanding that corporal punishment could be considered harmful to the sport.
Suspension and Penalties
As a result of the court’s decision, Noda will begin his 90-day suspension this week. In addition to the suspension, he is required to pay a $5,000 fine and participate in an anger management program. These penalties are meant to address the incident and ensure that similar behavior does not occur in the future.
Noda’s Response
Despite the legal setbacks, Noda has publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with the legal process. On social media, he stated that he was accepting the suspension not because he believed he was guilty, but because the system was “broken” and made him feel like he was guilty until proven innocent. Noda further explained that he could not afford to continue his legal battle, and so he decided to accept the decision.
Trainer Orlando Noda’s 90-day suspension and the related penalties mark the conclusion of a long legal process stemming from the 2021 incident at Saratoga. While Noda maintains his innocence and frustration with the legal system, the case highlights the importance of maintaining ethical standards in horse racing. The industry must continue to ensure the safety and well-being of the horses involved, while also addressing any conduct that may harm the integrity of the sport.