Ruane v. New York State Racing & Wagering Board

On September 21, 1974, appellant jockeys refused to ride in the seventh race at Belmont Park unless it was switched from the grass course to the dirt track, because they felt that heavy rains had rendered the turf unsafe. The Stewards obtained substitute riders, and the race was run without mishap *861on the grass course. Two days later, the Stewards fined each of the recalcitrant jockeys $250 for refusal to fulfill a riding engagement. 9 N.Y.C.R.R. § 4040.6. After a full evidentiary hearing, the Stewards’ action was upheld by the State Racing and Wagering Board.

Appellants instituted the instant…