A Feb. 27 hearing date has been set by the Texas Racing Commission in the case of Roman Chapa, who faces allegations that he carried an electrical shock device in a winning race at Sam Houston Race Park Jan. 17.
The rider, who also faces criminal charges, remains suspended and unable to ride as a result of a ruling by the stewards Feb. 10 that continues a summary suspension imposed Jan. 19. That came two days after he rode Quiet Acceleration to victory in the Richard King Stakes.
According to a TRC ruling following Tuesday's hearing, evidence was presented indicating Chapa carried an electrical device during the stakes, and "the use of such a device in the opinion of the Sam Houston Race Park board of stewards constitutes an immediate danger to the public health, safety, and welfare."
Scrutiny of Chapa emerged after a photograph showing the apparent shock device in Chapa's hand was published on the Sam Houston website and the jockey demanded it be removed, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Chapa has two previous suspensions for attempting to alter a horse's performance. He has been charged with a felony of unlawful influence on racing.
During his first year as a jockey, Chapa was suspended for nine months in Texas for possession of contraband intended to increase or decrease the speed of his horse after he told investigators he used a nail on his horse. In 2007 he was suspended five years in New Mexico for possession of an electrical device and was reinstated on a probationary basis in May 2011 prior to completion of the suspension.
