by Pete Denk

When trainer Robert Gorham asked if Terry Houghton would ride Magical Powers in the ninth race at Hawthorne Race Course on December 14, it was sure to bring up bad memories.

Houghton is one of nine jockeys banned by most major North American racetracks since December 2006 over an alleged race-fixing scandal that centered on Great Lakes Downs and Tampa Bay Downs.

The fourth race at Great Lakes on September 5, 2006, is one of the races under investigation. In the race, Houghton rode Magical Powers and finished sixth as the 2.70-to-1 favorite.

Houghton has denied any knowledge of a scheme and, unlike many of the other banned riders, he has been permitted to ride at a number of tracks this year.

“[Gorham] asked me if Terry would ride [Magical Powers] again, and I said, ‘Terry doesn’t have anything against the horse,’ ” said Houghton’s agent, Allan Plever. “Luckily, we don’t have to worry about him being the favorite today.”

Magical Powers, who had not won in his prior 17 starts, finished fourth in the $4,000 claiming race.

Houghton has had the most success of any of the banned riders this year, with his mounts earning $2,107,422 through December 12. Still, he was prevented from riding at Arlington Park, Tampa Bay, and Turfway Park, where he has a home nearby. Houghton has a lawsuit pending against the Illinois Racing Board.

The bans were based on information provided by the Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau (TRPB).

“I think the TRPB was looking for Terry to help make their case,” Plever said. “As he’s maintained since day one, he doesn’t know anything. He rode a horse that was a beaten favorite that apparently caused a lot of suspicion. Maybe their investigation will uncover something, but it won’t have anything to do with Terry Houghton. That’s for sure.”

TRPB President Frank Fabian said on December 14 that the investigation is continuing and that the Federal Bureau of Investigation is involved. Fabian declined further comment.

None of the banned jockeys has been formally charged with anything, and the racetracks have been invoking their rights of exclusion to refuse them access to the grounds.

Houghton and fellow banned rider Derek Bell were recently told they were not welcome back at Tampa Bay for the track’s 2007-’08 meet.

“Pending the outcome of the conclusion of the investigation, we will have no change in our position toward those riders,” said Tampa Bay General Manager Peter Berube.

Three of the banned riders have not ridden in a race this year: Jose A. Bracho, Luis A. Castillo, and Ricardo A. Valdes. Joe Burdo, former agent for Castillo, said he believes Castillo has been galloping horses at Delaware Park. Castillo could not be reached for comment.

John Wayne, executive director of the Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission, said Castillo did not apply for a license in Delaware, and Wayne doubts the jockey is riding at the Wilmington track.

“It was devastating for this kid,” Burdo said. “A lot of people liked his riding, and he had some ability. A year has gone by, and they’re still keeping these guys from making a living. Exercise boys don’t make any money. It’s just a shame.”

Pete Denk is a Thoroughbred Times staff writer

Banned jockeys performance in 2007:

Jockey                  Wins/mounts      Earnings
Alex Beitia             4/144               $115,695
Derek Bell             83/349               1,157,800
Jorge Bracho        7/188                 140,777
Jose Bracho          0/0                     0
Luis Castillo          0/0                     0
Jose Delgado        1/6                     8,695
Terry Houghton     94/987               2,107,422
Joseph Judice       2/17                   22,020
Ricardo Valdes     0/0                     0