Rosen Barred From Driving in Races at Los Alamitos

Harness driver Robert Rosen has been barred by Los Alamitos management for “inconsistent and unacceptable” driving at the current race meet.

Rosen finished third in a May 9 race with Rustic Charm, the even-money favorite. The winner, Sassy Sapphire, paid $5.40 and, coupled with 9-2 third choice Sure Sign, paid only an $8.80 exacta, about half of what such an exacta would normally pay.

Officials interviewed Rosen on Wednesday and the other 10 drivers and trainers involved in the race on Thursday. Rosen was delivered a letter from management late Thursday.

The letter read in part, “Accordingly, I have determined that the best interests of Los Alamitos Racing Assn. and the racing public compel the conclusion that you no longer drive at this facility. Accordingly, your privilege to act and perform as a harness driver at this race facility are revoked, effective immediately,” the letter from track President Lloyd Arnold concluded.

Rosen, who is also a trainer, has not driven since Friday. He has 26 victories in 214 races at this meeting. He will be allowed to remain as a trainer and had three horses entered in Thursday’s 10-race card, including Rustic Charm, who was second in the first race.

“I’m not too happy about (the decision) because I didn’t do anything wrong. Half my living is driving,” Rosen said between races Thursday. “(The officials) talked to all the drivers, and it appears like I’m being singled out. I feel like somebody waiting to go to the electric chair. Everybody looked at me like a lower-class citizen. Everybody was saying a million things, but nobody knew what they were talking about.”

Rosen said he is unsure whether he will take his eight-horse field to Chicago at the conclusion of this meeting.