Charles Town starter Francis DiAmario has been fined $1,000 for sending a field away with a 90-1 longshot left behind the gate during Wednesday’s card.
DiAmario, 65, released the starting gate for Wednesday’s seventh race while Medallion of Ash remained outside the outermost stall. The incident occurred at the beginning of a two-turn 6 1/2-furlong race that starts in front of the grandstand.
Track announcer Paul Espinosa Jr. immediately notified bettors of the situation at the start of his race call.
Stewards declared Medallion of Ash a non-starter after the remaining eight runners completed the NW2L allowance for state-bred fillies and mares. All wagers placed on the Medallist filly were refunded, according to Friday’s ruling.
DiAmario waived his right to a hearing before stewards issued the ruling, which confirmed his fine has been paid.
The incident involved the outermost gate position in a race where Medallion of Ash entered as a significant longshot at 90-1 odds.
Charles Town stewards took swift action following the race, ensuring proper protocols were followed regarding wagering implications for the affected entrant.
