Jockey Desormeaux fails test, out of Preakness
May 18, 2012BALTIMORE (AP) - Jockey Kent Desormeaux has been removed from Preakness entrant Tiger Walk after failing a Breathalyzer test.
Desormeaux failed the test at Belmont Park in New York on Friday and was removed from three mounts on the program. He has not been suspended, but the New York State Racing and Wagering Board is conducting an investigation.
According to a rule in New York that went into effect April 27, every jockey named to ride is required to undergo a test for alcohol consumption.
Desormeaux has been replaced on long-shot Tiger Walk by Ramon Dominguez.
Ignacio Correas, trainer for Tiger Walk, says replacing Desormeaux with Dominguez ``was a team decision.''
This will be the 10th Preakness ride for Dominguez, who finished second aboard Scrappy T in 2005 and First Dude in 2010.