3 Cleared of Race-Fixing Charge Still Have Some Hurdles to Clear

A jockey and two trainers who were cleared of race-fixing charges at Finger Lakes Race Track have some hurdles to overcome before they can resume their professions.

U.S. District Judge David G. Larimer’s ruling Wednesday that the government had no case against horse trainers Michael Ferraro and Edward Babcock, jockey Joseph Badamo and Ferraro’s ex-wife, Patricia Ferraro, will not, by itself, restore the licenses of Babcock, Badamo and Michael Ferraro.

Babcock and Michael Ferraro must apply for reinstatement to the state Racing and Wagering Board, which suspended their licenses while their cases were in court.

Robert A. Feuerstein, assistant counsel for the Racing and Wagering Board, said he expects both to apply and that the board would consider what happened in court.

For Badamo, whose license was revoked by the board last fall, it could be more difficult because “there were substantial charges against him,” Feuerstein said. Badamo’s challenge to the board’s decision is scheduled for a state Supreme Court hearing next month.

The prosecution had accused the four of conspiring to fix the eighth race Sept. 26 at the Ontario County track.

In that race, Shine Please, ridden by Badamo and trained by Michael Ferraro, finished fourth after starting fast.

Badamo was accused of holding Shine Please back and the prosecution had said that Patricia Ferraro had placed bets on horses other than Shine Please.

Ferraro has sued Finger Lakes for $10 million for barring him. Babcock has filed a similar $4.5-million slander suit.