Delta Trainer Receives Three-Year Suspension

Trainer Kearney Segura received a three-year suspension and was fined $5,000 by the Louisiana Racing Commission after running an unraced maiden in place of a $20,000 claiming horse Jan. 1 at Delta Downs. Segura's suspension begins April 23.

According to Tino Rieger, assistant executive director of the Louisiana Racing Commission, Segura was also cited for employing an unlicensed groom, Albert Dussette. Dussette, who led the horse from the barn to the track, was suspended pending an appearance before the commission.

Rieger said Segura could appeal the decision through the courts, but had not as of April 21.

Segura started an unraced 3-year-old, Caro's Majesty, in place of Swim Easy, who had been entered in the optional claiming race. Caro's Majesty, who left the gate at 5-2 and was pulled up around the turn in the five-furlong race, was claimed for $20,000 by trainer Tracy Vickers on behalf of Lloyd DeBruycker, who had previously owned the 5-year-old son of Easy Money out of the Beau Genius mare Toucha Genius. The claim was voided.

Delta Downs stewards fined Segura $1,000 and referred the case to the state racing commission in January. In an additional January ruling, Delta horse identifier Ryan Long was fined $200.

Both Caro's Majesty and Swim Easy were owned by Mohammed Islam at the time of the race. Segura had claimed Swim Easy on behalf of Islam Dec. 13, 2003 for $5,000. Swim Easy had started 14 times, winning seven races and earning $93,000, before the Jan. 1 race.