Probe suggests fault in Breeders' Cup Race

LEXINGTON, Ky., March 10 (UPI) -- The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission says two people may have violated regulations regarding last fall's Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic.

Life At Ten, the second-favorite, ran last in the race at Churchill Downs. Before the race, her jockey, John Velazquez, told television reporters Life At Ten was not warming up normally. Yet she was loaded into the starting gate and sent on her way with the rest of the field. She broke slowly, quickly lost contact with the field and was never in contention.

A report prepared by the commission staff, with assistance from the Office of the Inspector General of the Kentucky Department of Transportation, found there was a lack of communication among veterinarians, stewards, media personnel and others during the minutes leading up the start of the race. As a result, any opportunity to scratch Life At Ten was lost.

The report said there was no evidence of banned substances, betting irregularities or other types of wrongdoing. But it suggested the commission should consider whether Velazquez or Chief Steward John Veitch violated regulations regarding their responsibilities.

The commission ruled Thursday there is "probable cause" that Velazquez violated three regulations and that Veitch violated five. A hearing officer will determine whether there were violations and, if so, recommend penalties.