A standardbred horse trainer from the Guelph, Ontario area has received a severe penalty, including a 10-year suspension and a $40,000 fine, following an investigation by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). The investigation revealed that Jeffrey Gillis had purchased performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), a practice that undermines the integrity of horse racing and compromises horse welfare.
Gillis was implicated in a broader investigation spearheaded by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation, which resulted in charges against 27 individuals, including horse trainers and veterinarians. These charges related to the systematic distribution and administration of illegal performance-enhancing drugs to racehorses across various jurisdictions. When contacted, Gillis declined to comment on the suspension at this time.
A Successful Career Tarnished by Doping Allegations
Jeffrey Gillis has been a notable figure in the racing circuit, with a career spanning numerous wins and significant earnings at prominent tracks like Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto and Woodbine Mohawk Park. His biography highlights a successful track record, particularly from 2003 onwards. Notable achievements include substantial purse earnings in 2010 and five consecutive seasons where his stable earned over $1 million, culminating in 2013. In 2020, he was recognized with an O’Brien Award for training the trotting mare Hey Livvy, an award that celebrates the highest honors in harness racing. Furthermore, Gillis trained Covered Bridge, the horse that secured victory in the prestigious Gold Cup and Saucer race in Atlantic Canada twice, in 2023 and 2024.
Connection to a Convicted U.S. Veterinarian
The AGCO’s findings indicate that Gillis procured illegal drugs, including a synthetic erythropoietin (a blood-boosting substance), from U.S.-based veterinarian Seth Fishman. Fishman himself is a convicted individual, having been sentenced to 11 years in prison in July 2022 for manufacturing “untestable” performance-enhancing drugs. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the southern district of New York, Fishman had spent nearly two decades supplying unsafe and untested drugs purported to enhance racehorse performance. His methods involved creating customized, “untestable” drugs to circumvent standard anti-doping drug screens and to protect his clientele from detection.
The AGCO records show that Gillis made multiple purchases or attempted purchases of these illegal drugs from Fishman between October 14, 2018, and June 27, 2019.
Consequences for Gillis and His Horses
As a result of the AGCO ruling, all horses owned wholly or partially by Gillis are barred from racing for the next 10 years. While horses currently trained by Gillis are also ineligible to race, they may be eligible to be transferred to another trainer in good standing or sold, subject to AGCO consent.
Karin Schnarr, registrar and CEO of the AGCO, emphasized the commission’s firm stance against such conduct within Ontario’s horse racing industry. She stated that any attempt to compromise the system through performance-enhancing drugs is a serious breach of trust, and the AGCO is committed to holding offenders accountable to protect the sport’s integrity and the welfare of horses.
Reciprocal Enforcement by Racing Authorities
The United States Trotting Association has announced it will enforce “reciprocal disciplinary action” against Gillis, aligning with the sanctions imposed by the AGCO. This action underscores the association’s dedication to maintaining a clean sport, prioritizing horse welfare, and upholding public trust. Similarly, the Atlantic Provinces Harness Racing Commission (APHRC) has confirmed it will uphold and enforce the sanctions against Gillis due to a reciprocal agreement with the AGCO. The APHRC stressed its serious approach to such matters, noting that all winning horses undergo routine, unannounced testing. In the case of Covered Bridge winning the Gold Cup and Saucer, all drug samples collected tested negative for banned substances, reinforcing the importance of robust regulatory frameworks and consistent enforcement.
Supporting Ethical Horse Racing
The use of performance-enhancing drugs is a critical issue in horse racing, impacting the fairness of competition and the health of the animals. Investigations into such practices, like the one involving Jeffrey Gillis, highlight the ongoing efforts to maintain a high standard of ethics within the sport. For those interested in the broader ethical considerations within equestrian sports, exploring resources on is horse racing ethical can provide valuable insights. Understanding the complexities surrounding abuse in horse racing further emphasizes the need for strict regulations and vigilant oversight. Those seeking information on the consequences for rule violations might find it useful to learn about which horse trainer was banned in similar cases. Additionally, understanding the regulatory bodies involved, such as the kentucky horse racing commission, sheds light on the mechanisms in place to ensure fair play and horse welfare. While this situation is disappointing, it serves as a reminder of the continuous need for stringent regulations and consistent enforcement to ensure a clean and ethical sport.
