Staying on Track –
Nov. 23, 2020 – Desormeaux’s highly successful career has been comparatively erratic in recent years, and the rider has made no secret of his struggles with alcohol. Most recently, he was suspended following an incident at Del Mar when, according to a California Horse Racing Board complaint, he got into a physical altercation with a TVG cameraman while intoxicated and shouted repeated racial slurs at the man. The Form reports he has completed his suspension for that incident but the CHRB’s ruling also required him to be evaluated by the Winners Foundation, a California-based organization that works with backstretch workers battling addiction.
Desormeaux checked himself into Pasadena’s Impact House Oct. 1 and is scheduled to complete his program in mid-December. After that, he will be part of a sober living program for 60 days and continue with outpatient treatment for six months.
