Recent rulings from the Maryland Racing Commission:
“Trainer Darren Ferrell was the trainer of the horse Torrone Hanover in the 4th race at Rosecroft Jan 22. Post-race analysis of urine sample taken from [horse] identified the presence of O-desmethyltramadol, an active metabolite of tramadol.” Tramadol, for those who may not know, is an opioid painkiller. For this, Ferrell was fined $1,500 but not suspended, with the Commission adding, “Mitigating factors were considered in the determination of this penalty.”
“On Feb 12, Commission personnel conducted investigative searches at Rosecroft. During these searches, a cattle prod was discovered and confiscated from the truck of trainer Cole Olsen.” Olsen was suspended for 90 days.
In West Virginia, this ruling on trainer Eddie Clouston from Feb:
“Industrial Labs reported sample taken from the horse Maam Cross, which finished 1st in the 4th race at Mountaineer Nov 18, did contain Oxymorphone [another opioid painkiller]. Oxymorphone is a class-1 drug carrying an A penalty. This is the permit holder’s second violation in a 365-day period for a substance carrying a class-1 penalty.” So, second class 1 in the past year and what did he get? $5K fine, six-month suspension.
Jail time for drug violations and Animal Cruelty would be much more appropriate for offfenders and especially repeat offenders.
Yes, Nancy, HW – with Jen and Bailey – were out in force, and we got multiple outlets both Friday and Saturday. I will be posting on it.
Patrick, I just found interview with Jen Sully and Bailey Chapman from WJZ CBS News reporter Mike Hellgren. They were outside the Preakness venue Saturday telling it like it is for sure. There were multiple media outlets reporting the death of Hit Zero. It is encouraging that the truth was not swept under the carpet for a change.