Derby winner's owner got immunity from federal criminal charges

[rainbow4321]

Um, yeah, pretty sure the MSM won't include THIS in their Derby winner coverage this week.


http://www.adn.com/news/politics/veco/story/781355.html

If it weren't for the plea deal that his dad, former Veco chief executive Bill Allen, made with federal prosecutors, Mark Allen might not have been in the winner's circle Saturday at the Kentucky Derby, celebrating the victory of his thoroughbred Mine That Bird and a $2 million purse.


Bill Allen, in pleading guilty in 2007 to three counts related to his central role in the Alaska public corruption scandal, won immunity from federal criminal charges for Mark Allen.

(snip)

While prosecutors haven't said whether they could have charged Mark Allen, Bill Allen himself has testified that his son paid off a state legislator. A felony conviction against Mark Allen would be grounds for revocation of his license as a racehorse owner under New Mexico law.

Under Bill Allen's plea deal with the Justice Department, he was required to cooperate fully with the government and provide "substantial assistance to the ongoing investigation." In return, the government agreed to "not charge Allen's son, Mark Allen, or other family members of Allen with any criminal offenses arising out the government's investigation that have been disclosed to the government."

[havocmom]

1. Horse still ran a heluva race with Calvin in the captain's chair

Trainer still did a fantastic job. Horse can't pick his owner. Owners don't always have anything to do with horse. But rich guys do manage to keep the goodies. :shrug:

[Creena]

6. Calvin is such a great guy and jockey.

The owners usually leave much to be desired, so I'm fine with cheering for the horse, the trainer, and the jockey. All three show the true spirit of racing, not the drugged up, ill-bred, cheating side. It is indeed sad that the rich guy do get the goodies.

[reformedrethug]

2. Ok so whats your point?

some underdog kicks ass and embarrasses the racing world doesn't deserve that win of wins1!!!!!!!!

[TheWatcher]

3. The Point Is Crime Pays. And it pays very well.

[noamnety]

4. morning kick (nt)

[DemReadingDU]

5. afternoon kick

[Hotler]

7. Evening kick! eom.