Mark Gerard

Mark Gerard (6 October 1934 – 21 June 2011) was an American equine veterinarian. Gerard was born in Brooklyn, New York, and graduated from Cornell University.[1] As a student he worked as an exercise rider for, among others, Hall of Fame trainer James E. Fitzsimmons.[2]

Gerard started practice as a veterinarian for race horses, some highly successful ones, such as Canonero II, who won the Kentucky Derby.[2] In 1977, Gerard was involved in a much-publicised scandal involving horse switching. Gerard had imported two horses from Uruguay, a champion named Cinzano and the much cheaper Lebon. After Lebon had under-performed in his earlier races, Gerard ran Cinzano in its name. Cinzano subsequently won as a 57-1 outsider at New York's Belmont Park, and Gerard collected a $77,920 winning on a bet.[1]

Later, a Uruguayan journalist recognized the horse as Cinzano from a picture, and an investigation was started.[1] Gerard was sentenced to one year in prison and a $1,000 fine.[2]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Shapiro, T. Rees (29 June 2011). "Mark Gerard, vet convicted in horse-swap scandal, dies at 76". The Washington Post. Retrieved 18 July 2011.
  2. 1 2 3 Christine, Bill (25 June 2011). "Obituary: Mark Gerard dies at 76; prominent racetrack veterinarian". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 18 July 2011.
  • Oakford, Glenye Cain (28 June 2011). "Gerard, vet at center of ringer scandal, dies at 76". Daily Racing Form. Retrieved 18 July 2011.
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