Report: Multiple Harness Connections Fined, Suspended For ‘Concealing’ Business With Nick Surick
March 18, 2025
Paulick Report
Types : In the News
A prominent harness racing trainer and Thoroughbred owner, Surick was sentenced to five years and two months in prison for his role in the federal government’s probe into doping of racehorses
At its annual meeting on March 9 in Columbus, Ohio, the US Trotting Association (USTA) Board of Directors voted to hand down sanctions to seven members judged to have violated Association rules and/or bylaws by “concealing” business dealings with former trainer Nick Surick, reports Harness Racing Update.
A prominent harness racing trainer and Thoroughbred owner, Surick was sentenced to five years and two months in prison for his role in the federal government’s probe into doping of racehorses. Surick agreed to plead guilty to three felonies as part of a cooperation deal with prosecutors – one count of conspiracy to violate drug adulterating and misbranding laws in aid of former trainer Jorge Navarro, one count of the same in his own string, and one count of obstruction of justice.
In total, the USTA find six people and one farm a total of $97,500. The Board relied upon the results of a nearly year-long probe conducted by the Standardbred Racing Investigative Fund (SRIF), which earlier this year reported its discoveries. The findings of violations resulted from an investigation into misconduct committed in connection with former USTA member Nick Surick. In accordance with USTA Bylaw 8.01, the disciplinary actions may not be appealed.
Carson Morris, a partner in Philadelphia law firm Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads LLP that represents the SRIF, told Harness Racing Update: “The USTA and SRIF had reason to believe that Nick Surick remained active in the Standardbred industry despite his legal troubles and USTA membership lapsing in September 2021.”
Morris explained that not all individuals who had contact with Surick violated the rules, but that those who concealed his involvement with the Standardbreds in question resulted in violations: “This concealment would facilitate Mr. Surick and his collaborators’ ability to engage in the Standardbred economy without others knowing he had a stake in the registered Standardbreds in question.”