Los Alamitos Suspends Driver Pending Investigation of Race

Driver-trainer Robert Rosen has been suspended through Wednesday by Los Alamitos management while it investigates what it calls suspicious betting patterns after Thursday’s first race.

Rosen finished third with Rustic Charm behind Sassy Sapphire, driven by Joe Anderson, and Sure Sign, driven by Ed Hensley.

Sassy Sapphire paid $5.40 to win and, coupled with Sure Sign, a 5-1 shot, paid $8.80 on a $2 exacta bet, about half or less than such an exacta normally would pay.

“We’re going to have an informal hearing Wednesday with Bob Rosen and let him tell his side of the story and what he thought of the race,” said Lloyd Arnold, Los Alamitos president and general manager. “He’s not allowed to drive until the hearing.”

Arnold said he and track attorney, Jerry Mandell, will speak with all six drivers and trainers involved in the first race and a few of the owners. He added that the inquiry was not a formal investigation involving the California Horse Racing Board or stewards.

“I just want to get to the bottom of the damn thing,” Arnold said.

The action came quickly after the race, and Arnold admitted that part of the reason for it is track hearsay.

“Soon as I saw the exacta (price) and the race, I went right to the tote room and ordered a full set of reports,” he said, adding that in his observation Rosen’s horse didn’t race consistently.

Rosen has 26 victories in 214 races through Friday.

Rosen could not be reached for comment.