http://espn.go.com/horse/news/2003/0926/1624364.html

Faul fined $7,500

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Associated Press


MUSKEGON, Mich. -- A jockey at Great Lakes Downs has been suspended from racing for six years by a state panel that determined he used an electrical "buzzer" to win a race.

The track stewards also fined Jeffrey H. Faul $7,500. He has 10 days to appeal the suspension to the state racing commissioner.

A buzzer is a handheld, battery-operated device that emits an electric shock when pressed against the horse.

Faul declined to testify at a Sept. 9 hearing before the stewards. But he has previously denied that he cheated in the race through his agent.

Faul had been indefinitely suspended by the state at the Sept. 9 hearing pending the stewards' final decision. The suspension decision was made after track stewards ruled there was credible evidence of cheating.

The accusations stem from an Aug. 24 claiming race at the Muskegon County track near Muskegon. Faul, aboard Run for You, was among the leaders before making a move at the top of the stretch.

Officials found the buzzer lying on the track on Aug. 25, the day Faul won a race by 5½ lengths aboard Big Daddy Dave. Evidence showed the device was discarded by Faul, stewards said. Faul has been scratched from races since.

Faul could not be reached for comment Friday evening. A former agent for Faul declined comment, saying he hadn't been in contact with the jockey for several weeks. A message left for Faul's former attorney was not immediately returned.

As part of the suspension, Faul is denied access, use and privileges of all grounds under state regulation.



Post Edited (09-26-03 23:13)