Every week, the TDN takes on the important task of presenting a comprehensive roundup of the relevant Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) related rulings from across the nation. These rulings provide crucial insights into the enforcement of regulations within the horseracing industry. In this week's batch of rulings, one particular case stands out.

Arbitrator's Critique and HIWU's Approach

During a November 22 hearing, an independent arbitrator issued trainer Mike Puype a three-month and 17-day suspension along with a $1,000 fine. The incident occurred when two bottles of Isoxsuprine tablets and two containers of Levothyroxine powder were found in his barn during a routine search on April 24. The Isoxuprine tablets had expired in 2012 and 2013, while the Levothyroxine powders expired in 2016 and 2021. The arbitrator determined that these substances were likely prescribed by veterinarian Jeff Blea, who is now the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) equine medical director, when they were still legal for use in the state.The tablets were found in a former employee's cooler, and the levothyroxine powders were in a locked cabinet. Puype's assistant knew the combination to the cabinet, but Puype himself insisted he had not administered the expired medications. The Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU) did not allege that he had either.Arbitrator Barbara Reeves criticized Puype for not properly searching and removing these banned substances from his barn. However, she also took aim at HIWU's punitive approach. The agency initially sought penalties totaling a maximum four-year ban and $50,000 fine. Reeves described such penalties as "career ending," while noting that Puype's "fault" was at the lowest end of the "light" range. She wrote, "There was no indication of any intention or wrongdoing by Mr. Puype, other than an imperfect 'search and purge.'" Reeves further questioned HIWU's actions, stating that it was not clear what they were attempting to accomplish. Although the facts showed only an imperfect search, HIWU filed standard "Possession" charges and negligently failed to remove the name of the prior trainer from the text.

Other Recent Rulings

According to thoroughbredrulings.com, Puype has had two minor medication positives over the last 18 years. In addition to Puype's case, there have been several other rulings reported on HISA's "rulings" portal and through the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit's (HIWU) "pending" and "resolved" cases portals.Resolved ADMC Violations:- On December 17, 2024, trainer Stuart Williams received a seven-day period of ineligibility for a medication violation involving Gabapentin in Pandora's Gift.- On the same day, trainer Shane Meyers faced disqualification of a covered horse's race results and a $500 fine for a medication violation using or attempting to use a Class C controlled medication on Andy Cant.- On December 16, 2024, Mike Puype was given a three-month and 17-day period of ineligibility for possessing banned substances Isoxsuprine and Levothyroxine during a barn search on April 24.- On December 13, 2024, trainer Emma Gaffney was fined $500 and had 1.5 penalty points imposed for a vets' list medication violation involving Triamcinolone in Fight Til Dawn.- On December 12, 2024, trainer Carla Gaines had a covered horse's race results disqualified and was fined $500 with 1.5 penalty points imposed for a medication violation involving Flunixin in Big Summer.Pending ADMC Violations:On December 16, 2024, trainer Guillermo Preciado has a pending medication violation for the presence of Dexamethasone in Gordy's Boy.Violations of Crop Rule:The HISA rulings website is currently facing technical difficulties, with a possible fix expected in December, according to a HISA spokesperson.These rulings highlight the ongoing efforts to ensure horseracing integrity and safety through strict enforcement of regulations and the proper handling of medication violations. Each ruling provides valuable lessons and serves as a reminder of the importance of compliance within the industry.