HISA Investigating Suspicious Betting Patterns and Race Outcomes at Saratoga, Monmouth Park

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) has opened an investigation into races held August 9 at Saratoga Race Course in New York and Monmouth Park in New Jersey. The case focuses on unusual changes in performance and betting patterns tied to five horses with connections to the Fair Hill training center in Maryland.

HISA confirmed the investigation on August 11, 2026, after concerns spread on social media.

How the Investigation Began, HISA and NYSRA Move Quickly

Veteran handicapper and former jockey agent Doug Salvatore raised concerns online. He pointed to horses at both tracks that showed changes in form along with unusual betting results.

Salvatore named The Great Amira and Tepeyac at Monmouth and Classic Rock and M B’s Melanie Cares at Saratoga. All four had trained at Fair Hill. A fifth horse that finished fourth at Saratoga after early trouble was linked to the pattern.

He noted payouts. The Great Amira paid $37.20 to win, while the $2 double payout involving 7-2 shot Tepeyac was $25.60. Together, the results raised questions about betting activity in those races.

After Salvatore’s post drew attention, the New York Racing Association referred the matter to HISA, HIWU (Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit), and the Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau, which monitors suspicious wagering.

HISA confirmed it was investigating and ordered post-race testing of the winning horses. HIWU also began out-of-competition testing, which allows regulators to test horses outside normal race-day procedures.

The races being reviewed include Races 3 and 4 at Monmouth, won by The Great Amira and Tepeyac, and Races 4 and 7 at Saratoga, won by Classic Rock and M B’s Melanie Cares.

Trainers at the Center of the Inquiry

Angel Quiroz trains the two Monmouth winners. Ernesto Ochoa owns and trains the two Saratoga winners.

HISA has said no formal accusations have been made against either trainer. Still, officials took precautionary steps. Threedots Andadash, trained by Quiroz and entered at Presque Isle Downs in Pennsylvania, was placed on HISA’s veterinarians’ list and ruled unable to race while the review continues.

HISA also contacted the West Virginia Racing Commission about another Quiroz-trained horse, Bravo Rough. The horse was scratched from a race at Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort because of the investigation.

What the Betting Angles Reveal

In parimutuel wagering, the system used in U.S. horse racing, odds depend on how much money bettors place in each pool. Unusual payouts can draw attention when they do not seem to match a horse’s recent form or normal betting patterns. Such activity may lead regulators to examine whether some bettors had information others did not.

The TRPB’s involvement shows that officials consider the wagering patterns important enough to review.

What’s Next

HISA’s investigation is still active. HIWU will continue out-of-competition testing, while officials wait for results from post-race samples collected after the August 9 races. If prohibited substances are found, HISA can pursue formal penalties against trainers and other connections.

The case involves racing authorities in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. It also shows how HISA’s federal system can coordinate investigations across state lines. The final outcome could provide a test of how effectively HISA can enforce its rules in a multi-state case.