John Veitch, elected to the Racing Hall of Fame as a trainer in 2007, was fired Monday by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission from his position as chief state steward, which he has held since 2005. Veitch was charged last March by the KHRC with multiple violations of Kentucky racing rules over his handling of the Life At Ten fiasco in the 2010 Breeders’ Cup at Churchill Downs.
Before that year’s Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic, Life At Ten’s jockey, John Velazquez, told commentators on ESPN before the race that the 4-year-old filly was not warming up in her usual manner, after trainer Todd Pletcher had told Velazquez she was unusually sedate in the paddock while being saddled.
Velazquez did not bring this observation to the attention of the track veterinarian at the starting gate, nor did the stewards, although they reportedly had been informed of Velazquez’ comments to ESPN.
Life At Ten, the 7-2 second choice in the $2 million Ladies’ Classic, then proceeded to trail the field throughout the race and was effectively eased by Velazquez during the race.
Life At Ten was not sent to the testing barn after the race. Following an investigation, both Veitch and Velazquez were cited by the KHRC with several violations: three for Velazquez, five for Veitch. Velazquez settled his case in April by paying a $10,000 fine, although he did not admit to any guilt.
Veitch is best known as the trainer of Alydar, who finished second to his arch-rival Affirmed in all three Triple Crown races in 1978. Veitch also trained champions Our Mims, Davona Dale, Before Dawn and Sunshine Forever, and he won the 1985 Breeders’ Cup Classic with Proud Truth.