Kentucky racing board denies Maria Borell's trainer license

The Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation (KHRGC) has unanimously voted to deny Maria Borell’s request for a trainer’s license, overturning a previous recommendation from an independent hearing officer.

In June, deputy executive director Clayton Patrick concluded that the regulator had denied the application on “vague and inconsistent” grounds and failed to honor due-process rights. Patrick noted that the corporation failed to present evidence of conduct serious enough to justify the nonrenewal and that the agency’s arguments regarding candor and financial responsibility lacked proper legal or regulatory basis.

Borell, who famously conditioned the champion sprinter Runhappy, has not started a horse since May 2016 following a highly publicized period involving animal neglect allegations. Her attorney, Bob Heleringer, stated that the legal battle will move to the Franklin Circuit Court, asserting that the commission’s decision was a “vendetta” and that they will seek justice through the court system.