Veteran jockey Gerard Melancon has been arrested by police in Louisiana accused of “unnatural stimulation of horses” as part of an investigation into the possession of an electrical device.
The 55-year-old, nicknamed ‘Gee Money’, was taken into custody on August 26 and released on $20,000 bail according to the Paulick Report citing officials in St Landry Parish, Louisiana.
Melancon, who has ridden more than 5,000 winners of nearly $90 million, was riding at the recently completed Evangeline Downs meet near Lafayette, Louisiana, where he rode 29 winners to place eighth in the jockey standings.
According to Equibase statistics, he is 34th on the all-time list of jockeys in North America by races won. His sole G1 success came on Bonapaw in the 2002 Vosburgh Stakes at Belmont Park.
Melancon denies the allegations, telling the Paulick Report: “My lawyers advised me not to speak particulars. But I am 100% innocent and overwhelmingly confident the truth will prevail in this matter.”
Police have yet to release any details of the case, confirming only that there was an ongoing investigation. Charles Gardiner, executive director of the Louisiana State Racing Commission and chair of the Association of Racing Commissioners International, said the case was focused on the “possible possession of an electrical device”.
Gardiner said this had begun after information of an incident was passed to Evangeline Downs stewards who contacted state police.
Electrical devices, also known as ‘buzzers’, 'batteries' or ‘jiggers’ have been used to shock horses to run faster but are outlawed across the sport.
Australia: Birdsville 'jigger' incident investigated
In Australia, racing authorities in Queensland have suspended two people and launched an investigation into the alleged use of an electrical device by a jockey at the state’s celebrated Outback racecourse Birdsville.
A photo shared on social media appeared to show leading local jockey Ric McMahon clasping an object in his right hand during training at the outback track ahead of the iconic Birdsville races.
In an update the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission said: “Further to the media statement issued this morning, QRIC has immediately suspended the licence of two Queensland thoroughbred participants. A Stewards inquiry remains ongoing
“QRIC takes allegations of animal cruelty are taken very seriously. One of QRIC’s key functions is to safeguard the welfare of any animal involved in racing, and we will take all steps necessary to protect animals involved in racing.
“If a licence is suspended, a participant cannot partake in any activity relevant to the licence category they hold.”
Children of Secretariat: maintaining the famous family line to Secreto, Istabraq and Dare And Go
Eddie Delahoussaye: I don’t like having rules made by people who don’t know anything about the game
Jay Hovdey: Sandpit: nothing less than a four-legged Robert Redford
View the latest TRC Global Rankings for horses / jockeys / trainers / sires