Hearing on banned Tampa Bay Downs vet postponed

by Ray Paulick | 02.11.2013 | 3:00pm

Florida’s Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering has postponed a hearing in the matter of veterinarian Orlando Paraliticci, who on Feb. 3 was banned by Tampa Bay Downs management. The hearing before the board of stewards had been scheduled for this Friday but has not been rescheduled because the investigation is still ongoing.

Paraliticci allegedly was observed giving a horse a prohibited treatment on the day it was entered to race. Tampa Bay Downs officials have not identified the horse being treated, the trainer, or the nature of the treatment, but it is widely believed to have taken place in the barn of Jane Cibelli, the meeting’s second-leading trainer. The alleged treatment was observed by the veterinarian hired by Tampa Bay Downs to conduct pre-race inspections on race-day.

“The state’s hearing was originally called to discuss potential actions to be taken in light of the allegations made by Tampa Bay Downs,” said Sandi Opes Poreda, director of communications for the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation. “The hearing was postponed because the state’s investigation is ongoing, and the hearing has not been rescheduled at this time. We are not able to provide any additional information about the investigation at this time.”

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Jd

Jane Cibelli Ness
- Tash04
  
  Read on the “Tradition of Cheating in the Sport of Kings” Facebook page a post that said Jane Cibelli recently had two positive drug test. As usual Ray Paulick and the rest of the racing press are being very quiet and politically correct about all of this!! If they were doing their job they would be down at Tampa and know all the details, horses name, drug used ect, ect, but standard operating procedure has the press get real quiet and enable Tampa Bay Downs to try and quietly make this all go away. Until the racing press stops supporting the drugging of horses thru their silence, the great sport of racing will suffer!!
  - G11gy
    
    Ray Paulick is the only thoroughbred racing media source that is even discussing this topic.
  - Dbennettthequeen
    
    Tash,
    An investigation has to take place. Those things take time. Criticizing Tampa and Management at Tampa is ridiculous. This situation will be addressed and guilty parties punished. A lynch mob right now is not productive. No track is perfect. Look at the recent events at Hawthorne.
    Please do not make judgements, as there are people assigned to do that job already.
    - Tash04
      
      Ray is not discussing the the fact that nothing is being done about Jane and that only the vet is being suspended? I have seen things swept under the rug for years and have learned you can’t count on justice in horse racing! (Deleted)
      - G11gy
        
        Nothing is being done because they haven’t had any hearings yet and are still doing the investigation. The vet isnt suspended, just denied access to the grounds under private property rights of TBD. If you are going to rant at least get the story straight. The G Washington story was nonsense.
      - Bernieinocala
        
        So why wouldn’t the trainer be denied the grounds also? She’s the one that hired him to do it! When is her hearing?
      - G11gy
        
        I don’t know but the vet was the one caught in the act. If he testifies that he was acting under orders from her (pretty had to fathom that he wasnt) I’m sure that she will have an investigation as well.
      - Dbennettthequeen
        
        Ray is not irresponsibly reporting. That is why you come to his site, for accurate, up to date information.
    - WTF
      
      No one is making judgement, You wouldn’t have a lynch mob if Tampa Bay took care of problems instead of trying to conceal and keep things quiet and under the rug. Closing your eyes and not seeing doesn’t mean its not happening
  - RayPaulick
    
    “Tash04″
    
    You are the best promoter Glenn Thompson has ever had. For the record, anyone can visit http://www.thoroughbredrulings.com and check rulings against trainers.
    
    By the way, if you are suggesting everything you’ve read on a Facebook page is true, you are, as Beck said, a “lost cause.”
    - Tash04
      
      Ray, I have someone that I would call a good source. A good source is something you appear to be lacking in your investigating skills. It was one of Jane’s owners that said she had the positives so I believe it might be true. This is the kind of incedent that could bring very strong and positive change to racing but if you guys in the press just let it slide like you have for the last thirty years then nothing will be done and more horses will stand out on the track, holding one leg up in the air and waiting for the state vet to give them an injection to end their suffering.
      - Dbennettthequeen
        
        In all honesty, with that statement alone, your comments do, indeed seem to be “personal”. And again, what does a positive test, for a substance you failed to include in your comment have to do with this investigation ? I appreciate your stand as an owner, but you have consistently insinuated that TBD is taking no action. Obviously you have had experiences as an owner that have left you a bit suspicious, but again, understand, investigations take time.
  - Dbennettthequeen
    
    Again, because someone posted something on another site that a trainer had 2 pos. tests, that makes it true ? Most of this is he said/she said/or even now, someone posted….it is ridiculous actually. Many trainers every day get positive tests. It could be anything from a minuscule amount of Bute or lasix or whatever. How does this current accusation have ANYTHING to do with this article ? It is very, very important in situations like this that everyone TRY to stick with the facts as much as possible and understand that you or I will never, ever know the facts. A panel of judges will listen to testimony and make a ruling. I really wish people’s first instinct was not to condemn.
- Jkiernan
  
  Word up ..
Jd

Jane Cibelli Ness
hipps

Wonder what Margo thinks anout this?
Dbennettthequeen

I think it would be very difficult for anyone associated. I’m sure her friends and family will be there to offer support, as they should.
Tash04

Read on the “Tradition of Cheating in the Sport of Kings” Facebook page a post that said Jane Cibelli recently had two positive drug test. As usual Ray Paulick and the rest of the racing press are being very quiet and politically correct about all of this!! If they were doing their job they would be down at Tampa and know all the details, horses name, drug used ect, ect, but standard operating procedure has the press get real quiet and enable Tampa Bay Downs to try and quietly make this all go away. Until the racing press stops supporting the drugging of horses thru their silence, the great sport of racing will suffer!!
G11gy

Ray Paulick is the only thoroughbred racing media source that is even discussing this topic.
Dbennettthequeen

Tash,
An investigation has to take place. Those things take time. Criticizing Tampa and Management at Tampa is ridiculous. This situation will be addressed and guilty parties punished. A lynch mob right now is not productive. No track is perfect. Look at the recent events at Hawthorne.
Please do not make judgements, as there are people assigned to do that job already.
WTF

If the hearing is postponed because the state is investigating. I hope they truly are looking into this wrongdoing and at all the parties involved. That is what is needed. NOT just putting it off and trying to sweep it under the rug.
WTF

If the hearing is postponed because the state is investigating. I hope they truly are looking into this wrongdoing and at all the parties involved. That is what is needed. NOT just putting it off and trying to sweep it under the rug.
Tash04

Ray is not discussing the the fact that nothing is being done about Jane and that only the vet is being suspended? I have seen things swept under the rug for years and have learned you can’t count on justice in horse racing! In the book I mentioned above at http://www.sportofkings.com there is a chapter on the tragic death of the champion horse George Washington in the Breeders Cup Classic. Discusses how a top racing official had a lot to do with his death by violating a very important safety protocol. Nothing was ever done! Should have been one of the biggest stories in racing but it found its way quietly under the rug!!
G11gy

Nothing is being done because they haven’t had any hearings yet and are still doing the investigation. The vet isnt suspended, just denied access to the grounds under private property rights of TBD. If you are going to rant at least get the story straight. The G Washington story was nonsense.
Tash04

The GW story was the truth! Why do you say it was nonsense??
RayPaulick

“Tash04″

You are the best promoter Glenn Thompson has ever had. For the record, anyone can visit http://www.thoroughbredrulings.com and check rulings against trainers.

By the way, if you are suggesting everything you’ve read on a Facebook page is true, you are, as Beck said, a “lost cause.”
Mboyle852

We’ll learn more at the hearing. No one wants the truth spoiled by hearsay prior to the hearing. Mr. Paulick’s Report is the freshest reporting I’ve seen and read on all things racing industry.
And I welcome the forum to comment, other forums are squeezing opinions of players out of the industry press.
Mboyle852

We’ll learn more at the hearing. No one wants the truth spoiled by hearsay prior to the hearing. Mr. Paulick’s Report is the freshest reporting I’ve seen and read on all things racing industry.
And I welcome the forum to comment, other forums are squeezing opinions of players out of the industry press.
MrPick4

hats off to Ray for at least publishing the limited info available, to include supposed other parties involved in this disgrace. Shame on Bloodhorse, DRF and all the rest for not staying with this unfolding storyline. God forbid the NY Times gets ahold of it before any truths about the factual incidentals are revealed. TBD has a responsibility to clear this up before that does happen and further tarnishes our great sport.
- RedShoesGirl
  
  >>>God forbid the NY Times gets ahold of it before any truths about the factual incidentals are revealed.<<
  
  kudos to the NYT for not publishing anything before the facts are revealed.
- WTF
  
  Tampa Bay Downs has a responsibility to abide and uphold the rules of racing period. They should be stricter and swifter with their punishment. Especially when such person or persons are caught in the act. Dragging out an investigation and hearing is only helping it to be forgotten about. That would be a disgrace
  - WTF
    
    Maybe someone should contact the New York Times? Anyone have a number and or name
  - G11gy
    
    They tossed the vet asap after getting caught. Let’s not forget that everyone is going to lawyer up and that certainly is a factor. You’d have to be nave to believe that the tracks arent aware of this and the potential to be sued
MrPick4

hats off to Ray for at least publishing the limited info available, to include supposed other parties involved in this disgrace. Shame on Bloodhorse, DRF and all the rest for not staying with this unfolding storyline. God forbid the NY Times gets ahold of it before any truths about the factual incidentals are revealed. TBD has a responsibility to clear this up before that does happen and further tarnishes our great sport.
a jockey

How do you support someone that is trying to cheat the system and if it’s what i understood it to be “BLOCKING” a shin……. if it has to be blocked the horse SHOULD NOT be running and risking the LIVES OF OTHERS including jockeys and horses…..WTF !!!!
Racingpleasure

ive spoken to a trainer at tampa and he said the whole backstretch colony is upset at the management for this,not suspending cibelli right alongside the vet has them up in arms saying if it were an of them it happened to they would be run off the track fast but since cibelli has margo in her pocket nothing is gonna happen to her the vet falls on the sword
Bernieinocala

So why wouldn’t the trainer be denied the grounds also? She’s the one that hired him to do it! When is her hearing?
RedShoesGirl

>>>God forbid the NY Times gets ahold of it before any truths about the factual incidentals are revealed.<<

kudos to the NYT for not publishing anything before the facts are revealed.
Dbennettthequeen

No one is disputing the fact that it is highly immoral to block any horse, any where on race day. It clearly puts not just the rider but every rider in the race in jeopardy. If the “blocked” horse was on the lead and went down, it would have a domino effect, without a doubt. However. It seems to me that TBD would rather have a COMPLETE investigation and all of the information available before holding a hearing. I would guess that the reason for one person being denied access to the grounds and not the other would be that one of those people was actually caught “holding the bag” so to speak. I seriously doubt that there is a conspiracy theory here.
Tash04

Ray, I have someone that I would call a good source. A good source is something you appear to be lacking in your investigating skills. It was one of Jane’s owners that said she had the positives so I believe it might be true. This is the kind of incedent that could bring very strong and positive change to racing but if you guys in the press just let it slide like you have for the last thirty years then nothing will be done and more horses will stand out on the track, holding one leg up in the air and waiting for the state vet to give them an injection to end their suffering.
WTF

Tampa Bay Downs has a responsibility to abide and uphold the rules of racing period. They should be stricter and swifter with their punishment. Especially when such person or persons are caught in the act. Dragging out an investigation and hearing is only helping it to be forgotten about. That would be a disgrace
WTF

Maybe someone should contact the New York Times? Anyone have a number and or name
WTF

No one is making judgement, You wouldn’t have a lynch mob if Tampa Bay took care of problems instead of trying to conceal and keep things quiet and under the rug. Closing your eyes and not seeing doesn’t mean its not happening
Jd

Jane Cibelli has a large number of horses. They need her to fill the races. They will do (like ALL other tracks) everything in their power to not directly punish her so her horses can still be entered. Sad, but true.
Jd

Jane Cibelli has a large number of horses. They need her to fill the races. They will do (like ALL other tracks) everything in their power to not directly punish her so her horses can still be entered. Sad, but true.
Holding my breath

The day of the “alleged” treatment, Cibelli’s horse was scratched. Why don’t you ask the Tampa stewards WHY?
Holding my breath

The day of the “alleged” treatment, Cibelli’s horse was scratched. Why don’t you ask the Tampa stewards WHY?
Ripzone77

Ray, I looked up Jane Cibelli on the site you put up about trainer violations. Seems that Jane could give Dutrow a run for his money!! She has had 9 drug violations since 06 and two large fines for foul language and being obnoxious at the track!! I would think that would be an important part of this story and very surprised you didn’t include this information. Is Jane Cibelli above your pay scale?? So we have 9 drug violations, 2 disorderly conduct issues and now her vet blocking a horse on raceday!! This is Amazing!! What is it going to take??? Is there any way we can check her breakdown record?? I would think under these circumstances, it might be high!
G11gy

I don’t know but the vet was the one caught in the act. If he testifies that he was acting under orders from her (pretty had to fathom that he wasnt) I’m sure that she will have an investigation as well.
G11gy

They tossed the vet asap after getting caught. Let’s not forget that everyone is going to lawyer up and that certainly is a factor. You’d have to be nave to believe that the tracks arent aware of this and the potential to be sued
Stifttom

Anyone ever consider the vet was treating the wrong horse. It does happen
- Jkiernan
  
  Bush’s fault ?
Stifttom

Anyone ever consider the vet was treating the wrong horse. It does happen
Mr Black

”Paraliticci allegedly was observed giving a horse a prohibited treatment on the day it was entered to race.”

Welcome to the wonderful world of horse racing. Every track has these vets, and more then just one offering their illegal services. These prohibited drugs are where the vets make the REAL money.
Mr Black

”Paraliticci allegedly was observed giving a horse a prohibited treatment on the day it was entered to race.”

Welcome to the wonderful world of horse racing. Every track has these vets, and more then just one offering their illegal services. These prohibited drugs are where the vets make the REAL money.
Dbennettthequeen

Again, because someone posted something on another site that a trainer had 2 pos. tests, that makes it true ? Most of this is he said/she said/or even now, someone posted….it is ridiculous actually. Many trainers every day get positive tests. It could be anything from a minuscule amount of Bute or lasix or whatever. How does this current accusation have ANYTHING to do with this article ? It is very, very important in situations like this that everyone TRY to stick with the facts as much as possible and understand that you or I will never, ever know the facts. A panel of judges will listen to testimony and make a ruling. I really wish people’s first instinct was not to condemn.
Run4mejc

just think if that was ness
Run4mejc

just think if that was ness
Jkiernan

Should give Cibelli a nerve block …
Jkiernan

Should give Cibelli a nerve block …
Jkiernan

Word up ..
Jkiernan

Bush’s fault ?
Dbennettthequeen

Ray is not irresponsibly reporting. That is why you come to his site, for accurate, up to date information.
Dbennettthequeen

In all honesty, with that statement alone, your comments do, indeed seem to be “personal”. And again, what does a positive test, for a substance you failed to include in your comment have to do with this investigation ? I appreciate your stand as an owner, but you have consistently insinuated that TBD is taking no action. Obviously you have had experiences as an owner that have left you a bit suspicious, but again, understand, investigations take time.
Dbennettthequeen

I think it would be very difficult for anyone associated. I’m sure her friends and family will be there to offer support, as they should.
a jockey

How do you support someone that is trying to cheat the system and if it’s what i understood it to be “BLOCKING” a shin……. if it has to be blocked the horse SHOULD NOT be running and risking the LIVES OF OTHERS including jockeys and horses…..WTF !!!!
Dbennettthequeen

No one is disputing the fact that it is highly immoral to block any horse, any where on race day. It clearly puts not just the rider but every rider in the race in jeopardy. If the “blocked” horse was on the lead and went down, it would have a domino effect, without a doubt. However. It seems to me that TBD would rather have a COMPLETE investigation and all of the information available before holding a hearing. I would guess that the reason for one person being denied access to the grounds and not the other would be that one of those people was actually caught “holding the bag” so to speak. I seriously doubt that there is a conspiracy theory here.

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