This article provides a comprehensive overview of recent rulings issued under the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA), focusing on medication violations and crop use. The Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU) and various state stewards are actively enforcing regulations to ensure a fair and safe environment for equine athletes. This roundup details suspensions, fines, and disqualifications imposed on trainers for violations involving controlled substances and improper whip use.
Recent Medication Violations and Penalties
Several trainers have faced penalties due to positive tests for banned or controlled substances found in their trainees’ post-race samples. These violations fall under different classifications (Class B, Class C, or banned substances) by HISA and result in varying degrees of sanctions.
Trainer Efren Loza, Jr. received a significant 18-month suspension and a $12,500 fine. His trainee, Mexicoffee, tested positive for clenbuterol after finishing second at Gulfstream Park on February 14. Clenbuterol is a bronchodilator with anabolic properties, making it a banned substance due to its potential to enhance lean muscle mass and reduce body fat. Loza’s suspension began on April 17, 2024, and will continue until October 16, 2025.
Amador Sanchez was suspended for seven days and fined $1,000 following two post-race positive tests for capsaicin, the active ingredient in chili peppers known for its burning and irritant properties, often found in topical analgesics. The horses involved were Grey Princess, a winner at Gulfstream Park on March 8, and Dontkissdaminister, who finished second at the same track on March 22. HISA guidance treats these as a single violation due to the same controlled substance. [cite:0, cite:1]
Isidro Tamayo received a seven-day suspension after his trainee, Dust Maker, tested positive for dexamethasone following a win at Turf Paradise on April 2. Dexamethasone is classified as a Class C controlled medication under HISA. While a first violation for a Class C substance typically incurs a maximum $500 fine, this marked Tamayo’s second violation for a Class C substance within two years. Two such violations within a two-year period can result in a maximum 15-day suspension and a $1,000 fine. [cite:0, cite:2]
Other resolved violations reported on HISA’s portal and through HIWU include:
- Matthew Fales: Disqualified from results and fined $500 for Phenylbutazone (Class C) in Rantanen, who finished third at Turf Paradise on March 21.
- Hernan Parra: Disqualified from results and fined $500 for Dexamethasone (Class C) in Storm Creed, who won at Tampa Bay on February 25.
- Rodolfo Rodriguez: Fined $500 for Phenylbutazone (Class C) in a sample taken on March 16.
Pending Violations
Several trainers are currently facing pending violations, with investigations ongoing by HIWU. These include alleged medication violations involving substances such as Acepromazine, Phenylbutazone, Capsaicin, Sotalol, and Dexamethasone. The status of these cases remains pending as the regulatory bodies continue their proceedings.
- Kieron Magee: Pending violation for Acepromazine (Class B) in Bar Down Express (March 27).
- Eduardo Jones: Pending violation for Phenylbutazone (Class C) in Pine Valley (March 30).
- Arturo Chavez: Pending violation for Capsaicin (Class B) in Bye Bye Brooky (March 7).
- Jessica Howell: Pending violation for Sotalol (Class B) in Levanter (March 16).
- Paula Capestro: Pending violation for Acepromazine (Class B) in Fight With Honor (March 9).
Violations of Crop Use Rules
In addition to medication violations, HISA has established strict limits on whip use during races, restricting it to a maximum of six strikes. Several trainers have been fined and/or suspended for exceeding this limit:
- Hawthorne: Alexis Centeno received a $250 fine and a one-day suspension for a violation on April 27.
- Oaklawn Park: Francisco Joaquin Arrieta received a $250 fine and a one-day suspension for a violation on April 26.
- Santa Anita: Abdul Alsagoor received a $250 fine and a one-day suspension for exceeding the limit by 2 strikes on April 27.
- Thistledown: Fernando Salazar Becerra received a $250 fine and a one-day suspension for a violation on April 25.
These rulings underscore the commitment of HISA and HIWU to upholding the integrity of horseracing by enforcing stringent rules on medication and jockey conduct. Trainers and owners are encouraged to stay informed of these regulations to ensure compliance and maintain the welfare of their equine athletes.
