Trainer Isidro Castro has been suspended 10 years by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority after two prohibited electrical devices were found in his vehicle at Fairmount Park in Collinsville, Ill., on Aug. 19.
According to the Sept. 5 ruling, investigators with the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit – the enforcement for HISA – were conducting an inspection of Barn T, where Castro’s horses are stabled. When they searched his vehicle, the ruling states, they “discovered and identified two suspected electrical devices.”
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Castro initially denied knowing they were in the vehicle, the ruling states, but in a “further interview…admitted to finding the devices on the ground, and placed them in his trunk.”
Stewards conducted a hearing on Sept. 3 regarding alleged violation of HISA Rule 2273 – Other Devices. The rule states, “No electrical, mechanical, or other device, which is purchased, designed, or used with the intent to increase or retard the speed of a Covered Horse, other than a riding crop, shall be possessed by anyone, or applied by anyone, to a Covered Horse at any time on Racetrack grounds.”
“After hearing testimony and presenting evidence, Castro admitted responsibility for the devices found in his possession and would agree to the penalty,” the ruling states.
The Board of Stewards imposed the 10-year suspension based on HISA Rule 2274 for a first-time offense. Any subsequent violations would result in a lifetime ban.
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Castro, based either at Hawthorne Race Course or Fairmount Park (formerly FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing) since taking out his license in 2020, has 22 career wins from 333 starts. He has yet to win a race from 15 starts in 2025.
This story was originally reported by Paulick Report on Sep 17, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Paulick Report as a Preferred Source by clicking here.