Jockey Comes Out of Fog to Plead His Innocence

A jockey, suspended by Louisiana for allegedly cheating to win a fog-shrouded race, pleaded innocent in state district court Monday to a misdemeanor charge of attempted theft.

A trial date of June 12 was set for Sylvester J. Carmouche Jr., 30, of Carencro. The charge to which he pleaded innocent is punishable by up to six months’ imprisonment and a $500 fine.

The Louisiana State Racing Commission earlier this month suspended Carmouche from racing for 10 years as the result of a Jan. 11 race at Delta Downs in nearby Vinton.

The action was taken after stewards, jockeys and others said Carmouche and his longshot mount, Landing Officer, apparently hid in the fog at the start of the race, waited for the other horses to pass them by and then sauntered home by more than 20 lengths.

Landing Officer subsequently was disqualified and the second-place horse was declared the official winner.