The New York State Racing and Wagering Board has revoked the license of trainer Roger Horgan because of his “financial irresponsibility”--a finding stemming from a state Department of Labor probe into the underpayment of backstretch workers at Saratoga, according to a release by the NYSRWB.
Following up on that investigation as well as a hearing before a board administrative law judge, the Racing and Wagering board unanimously concluded that Horgan failed to meet financial fitness suitability requirements to continue to hold his license.
Horgan was among the trainers who drew the attention of Department of Labor investigators in 2008 when the agency delved into violations of minimum wage and overtime laws affecting backstretch workers.
On July 10, 2009, the Department of Labor issued an Order to Comply against Horgan (T/A Roger Horgan Racing) for $5,282.93 in overtime underpayments, civil penalties, and interest. Horgan ignored the order and a judgment was entered in the State of New York, County of Saratoga, by the Department of Labor on Feb. 2, 2010.
“When the Department of Labor shared its findings with the Racing and Wagering Board, our staff put trainers on notice that they could lose their license if they failed to ensure their payroll practices are in accordance with state law,” said chairman John D. Sabini. “There are indications now that we have substantial compliance at the Saratoga Race Course.”
