Trainer Paul Valery found himself in a serious predicament when he was suspended until 2033 and fined a substantial $75,500 due to multiple banned-substance violations and a controlled substance violation. This incident has sent shockwaves through the horseracing community and raised questions about the integrity of the sport.

Unraveling the Doping Saga of Trainer Paul Valery

Post-Race Substance Violations

According to the case-resolution documents on the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit website, Valery faced severe sanctions. Two horses from his barn tested positive for substances in post-race tests. Quincy Cafe, which won an $8,000 claiming race at Gulfstream on March 13, had breast cancer drug formestane and anabolic steroid 4-hydroxoytestosterone detected. Similarly, Pure Speight, which won a claiming race at Gulfstream on April 21, also showed the same two substances. Formestane inhibits estrogen production and can have a performance-enhancing effect as it leads to increased hormone production.This shows a clear pattern of non-compliance with the anti-doping and medication control program set by the Horseracing Integrity & Safety Authority. The consequences for these violations were significant, with Valery fined $12,500 and suspended for 18 months for each of the six banned-substance violations, and an additional $500 fine for the controlled-substance violation.

Barn Possession of Banned Substances

Valery was also fined and suspended for possessing two separate products with dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in his barn. DHEA is a banned anabolic steroid, highlighting his disregard for the rules.The other two banned-substance violations were related to substances administered to Quincy Cafe on January 7. He was given DHEA and gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter. These violations further emphasize his lack of adherence to the regulations.Due to these banned-substance findings, Quincy Cafe and Pure Speight are ineligible to race for 14-month periods. This not only affects the horses' careers but also has implications for the integrity of the races they were supposed to participate in.

Equine Supplements and Regulation

Valery was fined $500 for three equine supplements administered to Quincy Cafe on January 7. These supplements were not on the banned list but were not among the substances explicitly allowed during the ADMC race period. As a result, they were regulated as controlled substances.This shows the complexity of the regulations and the need for trainers to be fully aware of what substances are allowed and prohibited. Even seemingly minor violations can lead to significant penalties.Before training at Gulfstream, Valery had a successful career in Venezuela, training horses like The Brother Slew, a multiple Group 1-placed horse. However, his actions in the United States have now overshadowed his previous achievements.This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of strict anti-doping measures in horseracing to ensure the fairness and integrity of the sport. It is crucial that trainers and all involved in the industry abide by the rules to maintain the trust of fans and stakeholders.