January 2026 Thoroughbred Rulings - Maryland Racing Commission
DATE: January 15, 2026 TRACK: Laurel Park
STEWARDS: Adam Campola
Ross R Pearce
Russell Derderian
RULINGS
#26-0004
In the matter of veterinarians Nicholas L. Meittinis DVM of Maryland Veterinary Group (MVG):
HISA and HIWU have issued a provisional suspension to Dr. Meittinis effective 12:00 p.m. EST on Monday, January 12, 2026. The suspension was issued for alleged violation of the following HISA rules:
- Rule 2215: No Covered Person acting alone or in concert with another person shall compromise the welfare of a Covered Horse for competitive or commercial reasons or subject or permit any Covered Horse under their control, custody, or supervision to be subjected to or incur the following: (1) any form of cruelty, mistreatment, neglect, or abuse; (2) abandonment, injury, maiming, or killing (except for euthanasia for human reasons and in a manner consistent with the current version of the American Veterinary Medical Association Guidelines for Euthanasia of Animals); (3) administration of any noxious substance; or (4) deprivation of necessary care, sustenance, shelter, or veterinary care.
- Rule 2271(a)(1): Use of physical or veterinary procedures to mask the effects or signs of injury so as to allow training or racing to the detriment of the Covered Horse's health and welfare.
In conjunction with HISA and HIWU protocols, Maryland Racing Commission Board of Stewards has issued the following to Dr. Meittinis:
(1) Dr. Meittinis is prohibited from the grounds of the MJC Inc. and other racing or training facilities overseen by the Maryland Racing Commission.
BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS
DATE: January 15, 2026 TRACK: Laurel Park
STEWARDS: Adam Campola
Ross R Pearce
Russell Derderian
RULINGS
#26-0005
Adam J. Lockard DVM of the Maryland Veterinary Group (MVG):
HISA and HIWU have issued a provisional suspension to Dr. Lockard effective 12:00 p.m. EST on Monday, January 12, 2026. The suspension were issued for alleged violation of the following HISA rules:
- Rule 2215: No Covered Person acting alone or in concert with another person shall compromise the welfare of a Covered Horse for competitive or commercial reasons or subject or permit any Covered Horse under their control, custody, or supervision to be subjected to or incur the following: (1) any form of cruelty, mistreatment, neglect, or abuse; (2) abandonment, injury, maiming, or killing (except for euthanasia for human reasons and in a manner consistent with the current version of the American Veterinary Medical Association Guidelines for Euthanasia of Animals); (3) administration of any noxious substance; or (4) deprivation of necessary care, sustenance, shelter, or veterinary care.
- Rule 2271(a)(1): Use of physical or veterinary procedures to mask the effects or signs of injury so as to allow training or racing to the detriment of the Covered Horse's health and welfare.
The provisional suspension shall remain in effect until the provisional hearing described in HISA Rule 2287(b).
In conjunction with HISA and HIWU protocols, Maryland Racing Commission Board of Stewards has issued the following to Dr. Lockard:
(1) Dr. Lockard is prohibited from the grounds of the MJC Inc. and other racing or training facilities overseen by the Maryland Racing Commission.
BY ORDER OF THE STEWARDS