Delaware Park starter who hit horse can return to work, says Delaware racing commission

The assistant starter whose actions went viral last week when a video surfaced of him repeatedly hitting a horse in the gate at Delaware Park is allowed to return to work, the Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission advised Delaware Park Monday.

The incident occurred prior to the start of the fifth race at the casino and racetrack on June 14.

The horse, Accolade, appeared to be antsy in the starting gate, according to the video that surfaced on Twitter. That's when the assistant trainer, whose name has not been released, is seen striking the 3-year-old horse in the head.

Delaware Park responded a few hours after the video posted with a statement on Twitter that said the company "in no way condones the mistreatment of animals & has immediately suspended the asst starter involved in an incident before the 5th race today. The incident has been referred to the DTRC, which will investigate & hold a special hearing," which was scheduled for that Saturday.

The commission ruled the starter, who has been at the track for more than 20 years, should not receive further punishing. He was suspended by the racetrack up until the Monday ruling.

In a statement, Delaware Park said: “The Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission has advised Delaware Park that the Stewards have completed a thorough investigation of the incident that occurred in the starting gate before the fifth race at the racetrack on Thursday, June 14th and that no disciplinary action will be taken against the Assistant Starter. Based upon this determination, the Assistant Starter, who has been on suspension since the incident occurred, will be allowed to return to his position.”