CT: Jockey Marshall Mendez gets 10-year ban * The Racing Biz

Jockey Marshall Mendez, one of Charles Town’s leading riders, has been suspended for 10 years by West Virginia Racing Commission stewards for possession of an illegal electrical device, according to an Oct. 23 ruling.

Mendez, 30, had been suspended since Oct. 14 pending a hearing. After testimony and video evidence presented at the Oct. 22 hearing, stewards ruled that Mendez violated West Virginia Racing Commission Rule 45.7.f.2, which prohibits anyone from possessing or using any electrical or mechanical device designed to affect the speed of a horse.

According to the ruling, Mendez allegedly had an electrical device in his possession and turned it over prior to the ninth race in Charles Town on October 11. After reviewing the case, the stewards issued a 10-year suspension, from October 23, 2025 through October 22, 2035. During that period, Mendez will be denied access and privileges from all areas under the jurisdiction of the West Virginia Racing Commission. He will have to appear before the Commission before any possible reinstatement.

On Oct. 11, West Virginia Breeders’ Classics night, Mendez won twice, guiding Time to Rock to a win in the 4 1/2-furlong Dash for Cash for trainer Stacey Viands and No Change (trained by Cynthia McKee) to a victory in the seven-furlong Onion Juice. He had mounts in nine of the evening’s ten races.

Charles Town officials said they “fully support the decision of the West Virginia Racing Commission, but since it was their investigation and ruling, we will have no further comment on the matter.”

The ruling states that Mendez was represented by counsel during the hearing. He retains the right to appeal to the Racing Commission within twenty days of receiving the ruling, accompanied by a $500 security fee.

Before his suspension, Mendez ranked second in Charles Town this year in both wins and earnings, with 71 wins from 419 mounts and a purse of $1,591,951.