A provisional suspension has been recommended for thoroughbred horse trainer Rudy Rodriguez, who stands accused of endangering horses under his care. The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) presented evidence suggesting a pattern of neglect, leading a hearing officer to determine that there was sufficient cause to proceed with the immediate suspension. This action bars Rodriguez from participating in racing activities while the case is under final adjudication.
The decision to move forward with the provisional suspension was made by hearing officer Armand Leone following a December 12th hearing. HISA, represented by counsel, argued that the authority is empowered to issue such immediate suspensions when allegations point to an imminent danger to the health and welfare of horses. Specifically, HISA contended that Rodriguez had deprived covered horses of necessary veterinary treatment.
During the hearing, HISA highlighted multiple instances where horses trained by Rodriguez allegedly did not receive timely lameness evaluations after being placed on the veterinarians’ list. Leone’s decision noted the “absence of veterinarian treatment records for multiple covered horses concerning lameness evaluations or diagnostic treatments after being placed on the (vets’ list) in the HISA portal or produced to the Authority (on) request.” This absence of records, the hearing officer concluded, indicated that “covered horses were deprived of necessary veterinary treatment.”
Rodriguez, represented by equine attorney Clark Brewster, countered these accusations. His defense argued that the HISA’s claims amounted to mere omissions in record-keeping rather than a deprivation of essential care. Furthermore, they asserted that not all horses cited had been officially placed on the vets’ list. The defense also stated that Rodriguez’s horses are routinely assessed by attending veterinarian Dr. Reyn Andrews, and that examination records from these personal observations and interviews are not mandated for upload to the HISA portal as they do not pertain to “treatments, procedures, and surgeries.”
The allegations surfaced during fatality investigations into four horses trained by Rodriguez: Jemography, Secret Rules, Spooky Lady, and Heavyweight Champs. Jemography sustained a catastrophic injury during a workout at Belmont Park on December 13, 2024. Secret Rules was euthanized in January 2025 after suffering a breakdown during a breeze at the same track. Spooky Lady died in her stall in June 2025 from complications following surgery for lameness, and Heavyweight Champs was euthanized in November 2025 after a breakdown during a race at Aqueduct.
HISA’s case for Rodriguez’s immediate suspension was based on the standard of “deprivation of necessary care, sustenance, shelter, or veterinarian care.” The hearing officer found that the lack of prompt veterinary examination for horses on the vets’ list suggested violations of this rule. Leone emphasized that “A horse placed on the (vets’ list) deserves prompt medical examination by an attending veterinarian so that appropriate diagnostics are performed, treatment provided, and recovery from the injury is properly managed.” He further stated that such examinations should typically occur within 48 hours of a horse being placed on the list, and failing to do so constitutes a deprivation of necessary veterinary care, thus endangering the welfare of the horses.
Rodriguez, who has a long-standing record of success, having finished in the top 100 trainers by earnings and wins for 15 consecutive years, primarily competes in claiming races but has also won significant stakes races with notable horses. He testified at the hearing, explaining that he personally monitors his horses closely and intentionally limits his stable to 50-60 horses to ensure hands-on attention. He stated his practice is to evaluate horses placed on the vets’ list himself before deciding whether to call an attending veterinarian for further assessment.
This provisional suspension underscores HISA’s commitment to enforcing its rules and ensuring the welfare of racehorses. The ongoing case highlights the critical importance of timely veterinary care and accurate record-keeping within the racing industry. For further information on horse trainer regulations and integrity in racing, resources such as those detailing the responsibilities of covered persons are essential.
