Louisiana Jockey Arrested – Illegal Stimulator Use Alleged

(Vinton, LA) Louisiana has several major horse racing facilities. Our state is also home to a lot more "bush tracks" which are not by any stretch of the imagination a "major horse racing facility". Still, while the bush tracks might not have the glitz, glamor, and slot machines of the big tracks, they are home to some of the state's best racing. Of course, any wagering at a bush track would be off the record, right?

Meanwhile, at our state's authorized racing venues, Louisiana Downs, Delta Downs, Evangeline Downs, and the Fairgrounds, the focus is on great competition that is contested fairly. It's when horse breeders, trainers, or jockeys try to take the "fair" out of fair play that the Louisiana State Police have to get involved.

How Can A Jockey Cheat at Horse Racing?

According to reports, State Police were brought into Delta Downs after reports of cheating were brought to the attention of racing officials at the Vinton, Louisiana, track. After the conclusion of the racing card on Saturday, detectives with Louisiana State Police conducted post-race checks of each jockey.

READ MORE: Jockey Arrested at Evangeline Downs - Cheating Alleged

READ MORE: PETA Buys Stock in Louisiana Race Tracks

Jockey Arrested at Delta Downs - Stimulator Allegedly Used

It was during that post-race check that Ricardo Hernandez-Perez is alleged to have attempted to run away from detectives while removing a battery-operated shocking device from his clothing. It is alleged that the device was discarded into one of the horse stalls at the track.

Some unscrupulous riders have been known to use the battery-operated "shock" devices to inflict pain on the horse, which causes the frightened animal to run faster. The devices are sometimes used in training to condition the animals to react to certain cues, such as the pressure of a whip or the sight of blinkers, and associate that activity with the pain of an electric shock.

Why Are Electronic Stimulators Banned in Horse Racing?

It's unfair and it's unkind to the animal. Think of it as a taser. Lord knows that would make me want to run faster. It is also considered a form of animal abuse in most horse racing jurisdictions. Louisiana has laws on the books prohibiting the use of such devices.

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Hernandez-Perez was booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center on charges of unnatural stimulation of horses. Louisiana State Police maintains a tip line for those who would like to anonymously report illegal gaming activity such as this. You can make your report online at LSP.org, or you can call the LSP Fusion Center Hotline by dialing 1-800-434-8007.