Jockey Marshall Mendez, one of Charles Town’s leading riders, has been suspended for 10 years by the West Virginia Racing Commission stewards for possessing an illegal electrical device, according to a ruling issued Oct. 23.

Mendez, 30, had been under summary suspension since Oct. 14 pending a hearing. Following testimony and video evidence presented at the Oct. 22 hearing, stewards found Mendez in violation of West Virginia Racing Commission rule 45.7.f.2, which prohibits anyone from possessing or using an electrical or mechanical device designed to affect a horse’s speed.

According to the ruling, Mendez was reported to have had an electrical device in his possession and to have handed it off prior to the ninth race at Charles Town on Oct. 11. After reviewing the case, stewards issued a 10-year suspension, from Oct. 23, 2025, through Oct. 22, 2035. During that period, Mendez is denied access to and privileges of all grounds under the jurisdiction of the West Virginia Racing Commission. He will be required to appear before the Commission prior to any potential reinstatement.

On October 11, which was West Virginia Breeders’ Classics night, Mendez won twice, piloting Time to Rock to a win in the 4 1/2-furlong Dash for Cash for trainer Stacey Viands and No Change (trained by Cynthia McKee) to a win in the seven-furlong Onion Juice. He had mounts in nine of the evening’s 10 races.

Charles Town officials said they “fully support the West Virginia Racing Commission’s decision, but since it was their investigation and ruling, we will have no further comment on the matter.”

The ruling states that Mendez was represented by counsel during the hearing. He retains the right to appeal to the Racing Commission within 20 days of receiving the ruling, accompanied by a $500 security fee.

Before his suspension, Mendez ranked second this year at Charles Town in both wins and earnings, with 71 victories from 419 mounts and purse earnings of $1,591,951.