In the wake of animal cruelty allegations against them, Boyd Gaming has revoked stall privileges to trainer Thomas W. Sam and owner Keith T. Sam. According to David Strow, vice president of corporate communications for Boyd Gaming Corporation, the pair have until Monday to vacate their stalls.
Thomas Sam saddled one runner at Delta Downs on Oct. 23, the same day the Paulick Report published a story detailing the allegations, but an entry in the tenth race on Oct. 24 was a stewards’ scratch. Keith Sam’s most recent runner came in July at Evangeline Downs.
Boyd Gaming owns both Delta and Evangeline Downs.
Strow said Boyd Gaming cannot bar the Sams from the entry box unless the Louisiana Racing Commission revokes their racing licenses.
In September, St. Landry Parish Animal Control and Rescue seized a gray gelding named I Promised Youhuff from a yard on a property belonging to Thomas Sam. The horse was severely emaciated and unable to stand. During his race career, which concluded in February, he was owned by Keith Sam and trained by Thomas Sam. He died in the care of a veterinarian a few days later.
The National Thoroughbred Welfare Organization sent a letter with details of the case to the Louisiana Racing Commission last week, calling for both the Sams to have their licenses revoked. The Louisiana Racing Commission and the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case.
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