Willie Martinez, a veteran jockey with 36 years of experience, began his 18th season at Presque Isle Downs on May 19. Meanwhile, Miguel Alberto Olguin, a horse owner and stable employee at the same racetrack since 2018, was indefinitely suspended by the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission after an electrical device, which is prohibited as it can alter a horse’s speed, was found in his vehicle during a search on September 19. Following a hearing, Olguin was denied all privileges on commission grounds, and his two horses scheduled to race on September 22 were scratched.

The commission emphasized that no electrical or mechanical devices designed to affect a horse’s speed are allowed on racetrack grounds, except for the riding crop. Olguin’s suspension may also lead to criminal prosecution if referred to law enforcement. Presque Isle Downs officials have not commented on the incident.