Every week, the TDN takes on the important task of posting a comprehensive roundup of the relevant Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA)-related rulings from across the nation. These rulings play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and safety of the sport. This week alone, there have been a significant number of cases that highlight the importance of strict adherence to anti-doping regulations.

Uncovering the Details of HISA-Related Rulings in Horseracing

Trainer Paul Valery's Sanctions

Trainer Paul Valery has faced severe consequences this week. He has been banned for a total of 108 months and fined a combined $75,000 due to several medication violations. His suspension period began on May 14 this year and will conclude on May 14, 2033. According to the HIWU's website, Valery-trained Quincy Café and Pure Speight tested positive for Formestane and 4-Hydroxytestosterone - both banned steroidal substances - after winning at Gulfstream Park on March 13 and April 21 respectively. Additionally, he was found to have administered several controlled and banned substances to Quincy Café on January 7 at Gulfstream Park within the race-day period when only feed, hay, and water are permitted. He was also in possession of two products containing Dehydroepiandrosterone (a banned substance) at Gulfstream Park on May 14.This is a significant case that emphasizes the need for trainers to be vigilant about the substances they administer to their horses and comply with anti-doping regulations.

Other Resolved ADMC Violations

There have been several other resolved ADMC violations this week. On November 19, 2024, Isidro Castro, a trainer, faced a disqualification of the covered horse's race results, including the forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings, as well as a fine of $500 and the imposition of 1.5 penalty points. The explainer stated that it was a medication violation for the presence of Triamcinolene - a controlled substance (Class C) - in a sample taken from Bourbon Delight, which finished third at Hawthorne on 9/8/24.Cirilo Gorostieta, another trainer, received a 15-day period of ineligibility for a covered person, starting on November 20, 2024, along with a disqualification of the covered horse's race results, a fine of $1,000, and the imposition of 2 penalty points. The explainer was a medication violation for the presence of Tramadol - a controlled substance (Class B) - in a sample taken from Certain Victor E, which finished second at Belterra Park on 9/26/24.Christopher Davis, a trainer, was given a 7-day period of ineligibility for a covered person, starting on November 19, 2024, along with similar penalties for a medication violation for the presence of Dantrolene - a controlled substance (Class C) - in a sample taken from Morunning, which finished second at Keeneland on 10/10/24.Ruby Thomas, a trainer, was fined $500 and had 1.5 penalty points imposed. The explainer was a vets' list medication violation for the presence of Dantrolene - a controlled substance (Class C) - in a sample taken from Crystal Proof on 10/13/24.Kelly Von Hemel, a trainer, received a 7-day period of ineligibility for a covered person, starting on November 15, 2024, along with other penalties for a medication violation for the presence of Cannabidiol (CBD) - a controlled substance (Class B) - in a sample taken from Jackie Sparrow, which finished second at Prairie Meadows on 8/25/24.Efren Loza, a trainer, had equine anti-doping notices withdrawn as there had been alleged vets' list medication violations for the presence of Clenbuterol - a banned substance except in strict circumstances - in samples taken from Lucago on 8/5/24 and again on 9/3/24.Robert Hess, a trainer, faced a disqualification of the covered horse's race results, a fine of $500, and the imposition of 1.5 penalty points. The explainer was a medication violation for the presence of Tranexamic Acid - a controlled substance (Class C) - in a sample taken from Handy Dandy, which won at Del Mar on 8/25/24.

Other Pending ADMC Violations

On November 19, 2024, Amador Sanchez, a trainer, has pending medication violations for the presence of Lidocaine - a controlled substance (Class B) - in samples taken from Mayheminthepalace, which won at Remington Park on 10/4/24, and from Excuses, which finished second at Remington Park on 10/6/24.On November 15, 2024, Matt Hebert, a trainer, has a pending medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine - a controlled substance (Class C) - in a sample taken from Ranch Badge, which won at Remington Park on 9/5/24.Efron Loza, Jr., a trainer, has a provisional suspension for the use or attempted use of Clenbuterol - a banned substance except in strict circumstances - on the horse Lucago on an event dated 8/5/24.

Violations of Crop Rule

Due to current technical issues with the HISA rulings website, we will update next week's weekly rulings with any crop violations from this week. This highlights the need for continuous monitoring and enforcement of all aspects of horseracing regulations to ensure the sport's integrity.