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Gaming Commission Rulings Database

Licensee: MICHAEL J. OHOL
Licensed As: TRAINER
Notice Number: BR 19-2021
Racing Type: Harness
Track: Buffalo Raceway
Notice Date: 04/07/2021
Ruling Type: Fine & Suspension
Rule(s): 9 NYCRR § 4120.6(a)(1)
Ruling Text:
On October, 28th 2020, on the premises of a licensed harness racetrack, harness trainer Michael J. Ohol, who is not a veterinarian or licensed veterinary technician acting under the supervision of a veterinarian with Commission approval, possessed equipment usable for hypodermic injection or other infusion into a horse in violation of 9 NYCRR § 4120.6(a)(1). Specifically, Michael J. Ohol possessed one or more hypodermic syringes in his personal vehicle which was parked outside his assigned barn at Batavia Downs, Batavia New York.
The aforementioned were discovered during a barn search ordered by the Presiding Judge pursuant to 9 NYCRR § 4120.6 (d). Michael J. Ohol has provided a voluntary statement admitting ownership of the subject vehicle and the syringes found therein.  
Michael J. Ohol’s New York harness trainer’s license is hereby suspended for 180-days beginning on October 29th 2020 and ending April 26th 2021, inclusive, and he is fined $500 after having waived his right to an appeal.
During the period of license suspension, Michael J. Ohol understands and agrees to the following:
    • Michael J. Ohol shall not directly or indirectly participate in pari-mutuel horse racing in New York, shall be denied the privileges and use of the grounds of all New York racetracks, and shall be forbidden from participating in any share of purses won during the period of suspension.
    • During the period of suspension, any horse owned or trained by Michael J. Ohol, or that is owned or trained by an agent or employee of Michael J. Ohol, or for which Michael J. Ohol directly or indirectly makes any arrangements to care for, train, enter to race, or collect fees or other payments related training or care, shall be denied entry to the grounds of all New York racetracks and shall not participate in pari-mutuel racing in New York.  The foregoing shall not preclude previous agents or employees of Michael J. Ohol, who are not serving as such during the suspension period, from participating in pari-mutuel racing provided that they are duly licensed by the New York State Gaming Commission (“Commission”) and perform their duties in compliance with the rules and regulations of the Commission.
    • Michael J. Ohol waives his rights to challenge the terms of this violation notice in a judicial action against the Commission or its employees except to the extent that he seeks to enforce the terms of this violation notice.
The penalty herein represents a complete and final resolution of this matter.
Suspended: 10/29/2020 to 04/26/2021 (180 days)
Fined: $500.00

Note that the above data is current as of 2:25 PM EDT, Tuesday, May 07, 2024 and subject to change as more information becomes available.

The New York State Gaming Commission takes reasonable measures to ensure that the data and information on this website is accurate and current. However, the Commission makes no express or implied warranty regarding this information or data and expressly disclaims all legal liability and responsibility to persons or entities who use or access this website and its content.

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