out of the loop on this one , can someone explain?
PELLING, JACK W CREAM RIDGE, NJ YOB 1995
Fhld on 9/17/2023 FINED: $2,000
FULL - 181 DAYS, 1/23/2026 THRU 7/22/2026
ANY ACT OF CRUELTY TO A HORSE
An administrative hearing was conducted on January 19, 2023 to accept evidence and
testimony relating to an incident that you were involved in, following the 11th race on
Saturday, September 17, 2022, at Freehold Raceway. As a result of the administrative
hearing, the Board of Judges has determined that: New Jersey Racing Commission
("NJRC") licensee, Jack Pelling was the programmed driver of the horse "Magazine
Theme" when it competed in the 11th race at Freehold Raceway on Saturday, September
17, 2022; Following the performance in the 11th race at Freehold Raceway on September
17, 2022, Mr. Pelling did strike the horse "Magazine Theme" with his driving whip while
exiting the racetrack and did drive the horse into the exterior wall of the detention building
creating a dangerous situation for the horses and licensees in the paddock area, as well as,
disturbing the peace. Mr. Pelling failed to conduct himself in a professional and forthright
manner following the 11th race and has taken no responsibility or accountability for his
actions; Also, while in the detention barn, following race 11 on September 17, 2022 at
Freehold Raceway, numerous marks were observed on the rear of the horse "Magazine
Theme." Mr. Pelling is in violation of N.J.A.C 13:71-20.15(a)(b)1,6 Whipping rule N.J.A.C
13:71-7.29(a)9 Disturbing the peace N.J.A.C 13:71-7.29(a)13 Conduct detrimental to the
sport Having considered aggravating factors and the severity of the incident on Saturday,
September 17, 2022, Mr. Pelling is hereby issued a full suspension of his NJRC license for
a period of one hundred eighty (180) days. The said suspension shall begin Friday,
December 1, 2023 through and including Tuesday, May 28, 2024. Mr. Pelling is also fined
the sum of two thousand ($2,000.00) dollars. Payment of the fine associated with this ruling
must be received by the NJRC on or before May 28, 2024.
Status as of 1/22/2026 - Subsequent Ruling - Jack Pelling withdrew his appeal in Jack
W. Pelling v. New Jersey Racing Commission, OAL Docket No. RAC 13634-2023S,
which resulted in the OAL returning his case file to the New Jersey Racing
Commission. At issue in the appeal was Ruling No. 23FRE100, dated November 16,
2023, in which the Board of Judges at Meadowlands Racetrack imposed a full
suspension for one hundred-eighty days and $2,000.00 fine for violation of N.J.A.C.
13:71-20.15(a)(b)1, 6, N.J.A.C. 13:71-7.29(a)9, and N.J.A.C. 13:71-7.29(a)13 for
incidents which occurred after driving "Magazine Theme" in the 11th race on
September 17, 2022 at Freehold Raceway. Mr. Pelling appealed the decision of the
Board of Judges and requested a stay of the penalties. By Ruling No. 23TRH46,
dated November 27, 2023, a stay was granted and the matter was transmitted to the
Office of Administrative Law as a contested case. On December 23, 2025,
Administrative Law Judge ("ALJ") Susan Scarola issued an Initial Decision which
affirmed the finding of the violation of N.J.A.C. 13:71-20.15(a)(b)1, 6 and N.J.A.C.
13:71-7.29(a) 13, however the violation of N.J.A.C. 13:71-7.29(a) 9 (Disturbing the
peace) was dismissed. The matter was transmitted back to the New Jersey Racing
Commission for a decision whether to adopt, reject, or modify the Initial Decision. On
January 16, 2026, Mr. Pelling withdrew his appeal. Having withdrawn his appeal, the
violations and penalties issued in Ruling No. 23FRE100 by the Board of Judges at
Freehold Raceway are reinstated. Mr. Pelling is hereby issued a full suspension of
his New Jersey of his NJRC license for a period of one hundred-eighty days and
fined the sum of $2,000. Said suspension will begin on January 23, 2026 through and
including July 22, 2026. Payment of the fine is due on or before July 23, 2026. This
matter is hereby referred to the Board of Judges for a hearing to determine if further
disciplinary action is warranted in the event Mr. Pelling fails to show good cause
