Jockey Victor Molina - who was caught on camera kicking a 2-year-old colt prior to the start of the third race at Philadelphia Park Casino & Racetrack June 18 - had a formal hearing before track stewards June 22 but no decision was made by the stewards as to what, if any, penalties Molina will receive.
Molina, a 27-year veteran, was scheduled to ride the Clifford Sise-trained Yes Yes Ohyes. The colt reared and briefly pinned Molina in the starting gate, and banged Molina's head and chest. After the colt was backed out of the gate and ordered scratched by the track veterinarian, Molina went to remove his tack and proceeded to give the colt a kick to the stomach. The kick was broadcast to a national audience by TVG, which telecasts Philadelphia Park racing on Mondays and Tuesdays.
The track was deluged by complaints by both phone and e-mail, and Molina was escorted from the jockeys' room and ejected indefinitely. He has since apologized for his actions, giving numerous interviews in order to express his feelings.
Those also present at the June 22 hearing were Sise; John Stodolak, Philly Park's official starter; Lance Morrell, the track's director of security; Anthony Black, president of Philadelphia Park Jockeys; and trainer Walter Reese, who came as a character witness for Molina.
"After the hearing was over, the stewards said, 'We'll get back to you,'" Black said. "I was a little disappointed, because on Tuesday, when they first talked to Victor and myself, it sounded like they would make a quick decision on a fine or suspension or whatever. It appears that he won't be riding (June 23). I'm a little anxious, because I thought this would be (handled) as fast as possible."
