Fairmount Park Trainer Gets 10-Year Ban for Devices

Horse trainer Isidro Castro received a 10-year ban from the ground-up authority called Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) due to the discovery of two banned electrical devices along with their wires in his car at Fairmount Park in Collinsville, Illinois. The suspension was declared in a Sept. 5 decision after the origin of the incident report by Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU), which is the executive branch of HISA.

The case began on Aug. 19, when HIWU investigators conducted an inspection of Barn T at Fairmount Park, where Castro’s horses were stabled. During the search, officials also examined Castro’s vehicle. According to the ruling, investigators discovered and identified two suspected electrical devices inside the trunk of the car.

The first thing Castro did was to reject the idea that he knew anything about the devices. According to reports, he informed the law enforcement officials that he was not aware of the items in his vehicle. But, on another occasion in Fairmount Park, he conceded that he came across the devices on the ground and put them in his trunk. This confession was one of the main evidence brought at the misconduct tribunal.

A hearing was held on Sept. 3 before the Board of Stewards to address an alleged violation of HISA Rule 2273, which governs the possession of prohibited devices. The rule clearly states that no electrical, mechanical, or other device intended to increase or slow the speed of a covered horse may be possessed or applied by anyone on racetrack grounds. The only exception outlined in the rule is the use of a standard riding crop.

After reviewing testimony and evidence, the stewards concluded that Castro was responsible for possessing the prohibited devices. The ruling stated that Castro admitted responsibility and accepted the proposed penalty. Under HISA Rule 2274, a first-time offense involving such devices carries a 10-year suspension. The rule further provides that any subsequent offense would result in a lifetime ban from participation in HISA-regulated activities.

Electrical devices, often referred to as “buzzers” or “machines” in racing circles, can be used to illegally influence a horse’s performance by delivering a shock in Fairmount Park. The possession of such equipment is treated as a serious violation because of the potential risk to the safety of horses and riders, as well as the integrity of the sport.

Castro’s suspension is one of the most significant penalties issued under HISA since the authority began overseeing national racing standards. Such a decision shows the absolute rejection of any gadgets that may give the user an unfair advantage or put the welfare of the horse at risk.

Castro has had a horse trainer’s license and was predominantly employed at Hawthorne Race Course and Fairmount Park, formerly known as FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing, during the past two years. In his career, he has been the starter of 333 horses with 22 wins, as per the records of official races. His current season has been winless, with 15 starts in 2025 producing no victories to date.

Due to this suspension, Castro is out of the question twice, meaning not only will he not be able to participate in any events under the HISA jurisdiction, but also he will be unable to work or ride his horse at any facility that is licensed or enter his horse in any races that have been sanctioned for the next ten years. In addition, the decision acts as a notice to the rest of the horse trainers and competitors that the holding of illegal equipment is going to be punished with harsh penalties.

This case is just one example that shows the open attempts the HISA is making to enhance the supervision and apply the same standards to the whole sport. A body set up by federal law has the power to make things fair and safe for horse racing through standard rules and the procedures of the investigation in Fairmount Park. The HIWU, which went to check on the scene and found the reason for Castro’s suspension, has the main function of ensuring that there is adherence to the set rules and that any breaches are sorted out promptly and firmly.

The incident leading to the inquiry at Fairmount Park, a typical location for Illinois’ Thoroughbred races, was part of a regional circuit that included tracks in the surrounding areas. The investigation has attracted the interest of the equestrian community, revealing the risks of prohibitive gadgets and the importance of strong oversight.

As the 10-year suspension takes effect, Castro’s future in the industry remains uncertain. As things stand, the judgment has effectively ended his professional life, and the resolution sends a strong message to those who may be tempted to use equipment that poses a threat to the security and fairness of the game. In the event of a second violation, the suspended time would become indefinite, and he would be absolutely unable to return.