Board to Paragallo: You're out

New York State Racing and Wagering Board Chairman John D. Sabini released the following statement this afternoon following the arrest of Ernest Paragallo on charges of animal cruelty under the state Agriculture and Markets Law.

“After we learned from the State Police today that Mr. Paragallo was being charged with cruel treatment of horses at Center Brook Farm, the Racing and Wagering Board immediately terminated his privilege to be involved with thoroughbred racing in New York. In fact, the Board earlier this week urged Mr. Paragallo to remove himself from involvement as an authorized agent for Paraneck Stable. He at first declined to do so but yesterday announced he would surrender his authorized agent privilege next Thursday. That’s not soon enough.

“I stand committed to enforcing the rules of thoroughbred racing and ensuring that those involved in the sport do not jeopardize the health and welfare of the horses we rely on to compete in the races we regulate. Promoting integrity in racing is a top priority for this Board. Further, I commend NYRA for deciding to keep Paraneck Stable from entering horses at the NYRA tracks until certain questions are satisfactorily resolved. I also wish to express my appreciation to New York State Police, the ASPCA and the Columbia Greene Humane Society for the excellent work they have done in this matter.”