SHELBYVILLE, IN—DECEMBER 3, 2021—Indiana Horse Racing Commission Executive Director Deena Pitman recommended a 20-year suspension and $10,000 fine for Indiana Grand's leading Quarter Horse jockey in a complaint November 17th.

During interviews in the on-going investigation jockey Sammy Mendez admitted he possessed and used a prohibited electrical device during training and live races at the Shelbyville racecourse.

According to the filed complaint, Indiana Downs track veterinarian, Dr. Katie Naughton recovered the device from the track's surface following a Quarter Horse Allowance (Race 7) on September 4, 2021.

Indiana Racing Commission Director of Security Michael Morris was notified of the discovery and began an investigation immediately.

According to complaint Morris had three separate interviews with Mendez during which he admitting he “possessed and used the machine on three separate occasions to train horses” at Indiana Grand and that he “possessed and used the machine during the first race September 4th, also a Quarter Horse Allowance he won aboard Rock Candy Almighty.”

Morris also indicated that during ne of the interviews Mendez turned over a photograph purportedly showing the Facebook page of Felipe Becerra, who is the accused individual alleged to have manufactured and sold the jockey the machine.

According to Equibase records Rock Candy Almighty is owned by Lance and Tammy Finlinson and trained by Randy Smith. The November 17th ruling also recommended the $11,275 winner's purse won by Rock Candy Almighty on September 4th be redistributed.

Mendez, who's last race at the Indiana racetrack September 13th, was summarily suspended on September 15th.

Mendez, who rode first call for Smith, set an Indiana Grand Quarter Horse record for most wins by a jockey in 2020 (36) and 2021 (38), winning at a 27% clip in 2020 and 28% in 2021.

Smith, Indiana Grand's all-time leading Quarter Horse conditioner, has been the track's leading trainer since 2015.

Mendez has 20 days after the administrative complaint was filed to request a hearing.

Pittman may at her discretion may withdraw, amend or modify the complaint and penalty.