Belterra Clerk Fined $1,000 for Weigh-Out Omission

The stewards at Belterra Park have imposed a $1,000 fine on that track's clerk of scales, Jose Sanchez, Jr., for failing to check the weight of apprentice jockey Summer Pauly before she rode the 3-2 favorite in the second race May 2.

A ruling issued Thursday, described what happened:

“During the post parade of race #2, the Board of Stewards radioed Outriders to bring #1 Bobby's Gift back to the Paddock to re-check jockey Summer Pauly's weight, due to Steward's concerns it was incorrect. The scale showed Ms. Pauly was six pounds under the required weight listed in the program, due to Clerk of Scales Jose Sanchez Jr. failing to check the jockey at time of weighing out. The weight was corrected and #1 Bobby's Gift returned to the racetrack.”

Bobby's Gift, a 7-year-old son of Into Mischief, was the 3-2 favorite in the one-mile-and-70 yards route for $5,000 claimers. He led until deep stretch and was caught by two closers, finishing third.

The ruling stated that Sanchez had waived his right to a formal hearing before meeting with the stewards, and that his fine would be cut in half to $500 if he did not appeal.

“Any further violations of this nature will lead to increased penalties and potential action regarding the conditions of the license,” the ruling stated.

Sanchez could not be reached for comment prior to deadline for this story.

Although the ruling did not elaborate on the circumstances, Pauly, a five-pound apprentice, was facing unusual time constraints in trying to get to Belterra to ride four mounts last Saturday because she was pulling double duty at two tracks.

Pauly rode in the second race on the GI Kentucky Derby undercard at Churchill Downs. That race had an 11:33 a.m. off time.

After finishing 11th and last on a 70-1 shot at Churchill, Pauly then had to make the 112-mile trek from Louisville to Cincinnati, a drive that normally takes about an hour and 45 minutes, but was likely exacerbated by Derby day traffic.

Post time for the second race at Belterra was scheduled for 2:05 p.m., but after the delay for Pauly needing to be called back to the scale to be properly weighed, the off time was 2:12 p.m.

Pauly then won Belterra's third race aboard the 7-10 favorite.