Report: Delaware’s Wayne Puts His Foot Down, Denies Vitali Stay Of Suspension

In an unconventional move, the Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission’s executive director John Wayne has denied a stay of suspension requested by trainer Marcus Vitali. The Racing Biz first reported the development after yesterday’s news that Vitali had gotten a year’s suspension and a $2,500 fine for interfering with a search in a dorm room.

“I stand on principle that I’m not going to allow him to continue to operate like this,” Wayne told The Racing Biz. “This guy is a breach of integrity.”

Vitali is appealing the sanctions, and typically a trainer is permitted a stay of suspension until the appeal can be heard. The denial of the stay will also likely mean other jurisdictions, such as New York and Florida, where Vitali has been running horses, will continue to enforce the suspension. Vitali’s appeal is slated for Aug. 21.

Vitali is accused of removing a bubble-wrapped package from a dorm refrigerator during a search of the unit by Delaware security and running away from security officers with the packet, which was never recovered. Vitali, according to The Racing Biz, now says the packet contained a couple of marijuana joints.