They should not it's part of the claming game, buyer beware.

Iowa and Arizona are the only 2 states u cant run in, So they have only about what 20 other states to choose from ?

I dont see what the rules in Arizona have to do with it? The horse was claimed in CA and it has already been stated that all proper procedures were followed. I just dont see how they think they have a case. Of course in the court system in the Golden State anything can happen.

Yeah I just don't see how it could be suggested that this procedure was hidden just because they knew the horse couldn't be run in Arizona or something and if you're talking the general idea of hiding things in claiming races, it's par for the course. Everybody does it (not that it's fair). The horse comes out of the race with an injury that had been masked, it's considered just too darn bad right? Mandella and Hughes probably weren't paying attention to the possibility that someone could try to run it where heel nerving wasn't allowed and I don't think you can argue that's really their responsibility, to think where the horse might get run and make some big announcement. It implies conspiracy when it's really a case of getting screwed by the conflicting rules of jurisdictions.

I completely agree. He loves these horses so much that he grows grass for them to graze on, and I have been told that he can't help but touch every horse as he walks by them when they are in their stalls. In addition, he is a happy-medium trainer. He is neither too soft nor too hard on his horses. He knows exactly how hard to push them. All of his horses look great and happy. He is a superb horseman in my eyes and a complete professional. We need more trainers like him in this sport. My avatar is actually a picture of me kissing a friend's horse in his stable.

Apparantly the horse was doing well enough that they were going to run him in the Last Chance Derby at Turf Paradise. It wasnt until the trainer went to turn in the papers and the racing office wouldnt accept them because they were stamped that he had been heel nerved , that is when the crap started to hit the fan.

'nuff said.

The claiming game is tough. Tough noogies for them. Find another race!

the new owner needs to find a new trainer! what a mess on that guys part. and it stinks that some will read the headline that mandella is being sued, and take it at face value, and be critical of him in future--their thinking will be had mandella done nothing wrong, this guy wouldn't bring a case! and that's a shame.