NEWARK, N.J. -- The New Jersey Racing Commission upheld the
suspensions of five people charged in a scheme to fix races at the
Meadowlands Racetrack.
The commission said Tuesday it denied stays of the suspensions
of harness driver Eric Ledford and his father, trainer Seldon
Ledford; assistant trainer Ryan Dailey and his wife, Ardena Dailey;
and veterinarian John R. Witmer.
All five were suspended by the commission this month after an
18-month investigation by New Jersey state police uncovered an
alleged scheme to fix races by injecting horses with banned drugs.
The Ledfords' licenses were suspended for 10 years and six
months, the Daileys' for eight years and Witmer's for seven years.
All five are expected to appeal the commission's decision to a
state administrative law judge.
All but the elder Ledford face separate criminal charges. Eric
Ledford, a leading money winner at the Meadowlands, has been
charged with conspiracy to rig a publicly exhibited contest. The
Daileys are charged with race-rigging and drug possession, and
Witmer is charged with race-rigging.