Wow! California Horse Racing Board may have to pay 5 Million Dollars in damages.

[andymays]

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/62861/chrb-whistle-blower-sues-agency

Excerpt:

According to his lawsuit, Atashkar's problems began in 2006 when he informed Fermin of illegal computer activity by Roy Minami, who was then the agency's assistant executive director. Minami eventually resigned and was replaced by Smith, whom Atashkar also alleges used the CHRB system for “problematic email.”

He said his initial complaints to Fermin went nowhere.

"I was very naive," he said. "I didn't know who my friends were."

Beginning in July 2006, Atashkar alleged he became aware of improper activities by Fermin, Shapiro and others, including "misappropriation of taxpayer funds by CHRB executives; backdating of contracts in favor of friends of CHRB executives; the illegal collection of funds for the benefit of Shapiro and Fermin; pornography and inappropriate video stored in CHRB computer system."

He claimed, in an interview, that he has the documentation to prove that Fermin and Shapiro misused the testing system for Total Carbon Dioxide (TCO2), known as "green sheets," to target individual trainers for prosecution. They also used insider information to warn favored trainers of upcoming tests for particular medications, he charged, and circumvented state hiring practices to employ trainer Darrell Vienna as a board consultant and Dr. Rick Arthur as the CHRB's equine medical director.



Read more: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/62861/chrb-whistle-blower-sues-agency#ixzz1LQAT4B28

[Charli125]

I don't know anything about the validity of this lawsuit, but the amount of money that goes from the CHRB straight into Jerry Jammer's attorney's pockets is amazing to me. He definitely has an ax to grind, but they just keep on being ordered to pay him.

I really hate to see takeout dollars being spent on attorneys.

[andymays]

I don't know anything about the validity of this lawsuit, but the amount of money that goes from the CHRB straight into Jerry Jammer's attorney's pockets is amazing to me. He definitely has an ax to grind, but they just keep on being ordered to pay him.

I really hate to see takeout dollars being spent on attorneys.

The allegations in this lawsuit are stunning. They also kind of confirm rumors that have been going on here for years.

[Charli125]

The allegations in this lawsuit are stunning. They also kind of confirm rumors that have been going on here for years.

Is there any way to call for the CHRB to be replaced? I know there are people taking aim at the TOC, but often it seems that the real culprit is the CHRB.

[andymays]

Is there any way to call for the CHRB to be replaced? I know there are people taking aim at the TOC, but often it seems that the real culprit is the CHRB.

There are strong rumors that they will do away with the CHRB and have on gambling board that covers all the gaming/horse racing in California.

[Stillriledup]

You know what Jim Rome would say.

UT OH! :eek:

[toussaud]

In college football this is what they call lack of institutional control and you get slapped with the death penalty

[sonnyp]

horse racing may not survive there long enough to be regulated

[Edward DeVere]

The allegations in this lawsuit are stunning. They also kind of confirm rumors that have been going on here for years.

I have no idea of the merits of this suit but I do know this: Allegations do not confirm or even "kind of" confirm rumors.

[andymays]

I have no idea of the merits of this suit but I do know this: Allegations do not confirm or even "kind of" confirm rumors.

If he has proof as he said he does then as an employee of the CHRB his information confirms allegations made by seveal Trainers and Owners in California. Maybe I'm not saying (writing) it correctly but I think everyone knows what I mean.

[andymays]

I have no idea of the merits of this suit but I do know this: Allegations do not confirm or even "kind of" confirm rumors.
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/51791/chrb-to-examine-fermins-del-mar-role

Excerpt:

The California Horse Racing Board plans to meet in closed session prior to its general meeting July 23 to consider complaints and appeals that have been filed against the board challenging Ingrid Fermin's appointment as a steward at Del Mar this season.

Kirk Breed, the board's executive director, confirmed that the board will discuss the matter after several top trainers filed appeals against Fermin. She served as the CHRB's executive director for three years until her resignation in January 2008.

"They (the trainers) are appealing her ability to make an unbiased decision (where they are concerned)," Breed said. "We're (CHRB staff) recommending to the board that this issue be assigned to a deputy attorney general and that an OAL (office of administrative law) hearing be held."

Horse owner Jerry Jamgotchian first filed a complaint against the board over Fermin's appointment to the Del Mar post, which pays $26,000 to her as an independent contractor. Those now appealing Fermin's standing are trainers Jeff Mullins, Mike Mitchell, Doug O'Neill, Steve Knapp, Art Sherman, and Brian Koriner, as well as horse owner Sean Gerson, according to Jamgotchian.

Read more: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/51791/chrb-to-examine-fermins-del-mar-role#ixzz1LQrZxOiP

[baconswitchfarm]

This case i believe is true. He has been telling the exact same story for three years . The fact that they sent armed men to his house to scare him is no suprise. There are more cases like this out there if any real journalist would look into it. This is the most corrupt government agency anywhere in the country.

[PaceAdvantage]

The allegations in this lawsuit are stunning. They also kind of confirm rumors that have been going on here for years.Seeing how California racing has been on a downswing for many a year, is it any surprise that the inner-workings were rotten to the core (allegedly)?

Where there is smoke on the outside, there is usually fire down below...

[andymays]

Seeing how California racing has been on a downswing for many a year, is it any surprise that the inner-workings were rotten to the core (allegedly)?

Where there is smoke on the outside, there is usually fire down below...

The conflicts of interest and abuses of power have been going on for many years in my opinion.