No sanctions for Warren County racino where horse drowned during race

Miami Valley Gaming and Racing will face no sanctions from the Ohio State Racing Commission after an investigation of the drowning of a horse during a race there on March 25.

On Friday, the state commission released its final report on the incident and indicated the racino in Warren County would face no sanctions.

“The Commission is still in discussions with the permit holder to determine if we need to take further steps,” Michael Rzymek of the commission said in an email.

The horse, “He’s a Perfect Ten,” drowned in one of the ponds in the infield of the harness track during the 12th race.

Four horses were involved in the accident, as they headed for the finish line, according to reports.

RELATED: Horse drowns during race at Warren County racino

Driver Kayne Kauffman was thrown from his sulky cart, treated for his injuries and held out of races until April 1, according to the state report.

The incident was triggered when another horse in the race, Medoland Brutus, “made a break in stride thus causing confusion amongst trailing horses,” according to the report.

Ashley Holliday, the rider helping manage the horses during the race, “quickly grabbed the loose horse, but the horse became confused, disoriented and was able to break free.”

RELATED: Track worker went into water in attempt to rescue horse

He’s a Perfect Ten “ran into the pond and tried swimming across pond with the equipment and sulky still attached.”

Holliday “jumped into the pond and attempted to rescue the horse. Unfortunately, the horse went under,” according to the report.

On Friday, Miami Valley Gaming said, “We agree with the report and will continue to work closely with the Ohio Racing Commission as we move forward.”

Tracks typically have unfenced retention ponds, like the one in which the horse drowned, where water running off the banked racing surface collects, according to Bill Crawford, executive director of the state commission.

“Maybe it’s never happened before in Ohio,” Crawford said after the incident.

About the Author