Every week, the TDN publishes a summary of relevant decisions related to the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) across the country.

Among the decisions handed down this week, coach Paul Valery was suspended for a total of 108 months and fined a total of $75,000 for several medication violations. His suspension period began on May 14 this year and will end on May 14, 2033.

According to the five separate resolutions listed on the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU) website, Valery-trained Quincy Café and Pure Speight tested positive for formestane and 4- hydroxytestosterone, two banned steroidal substances, after winning at Gulfstream Park on March 13 and April 21 respectively.

According to HIWU, Valéry administered several controlled and banned substances to Quincy Café, who finished fourth at Gulfstream Park on Jan. 7, during the race day period when only food, hay and water are allowed. He was also found in possession of two products containing dehydroepiandrosterone (a banned substance) at Gulfstream Park on May 14.

NEW DECISIONS FROM THE HISA/HIWU COMMISSIONERS

The following decisions were reported on HISA: “decisions“portal and via the HIWU”on hold” And “resolved» portal cases.

ADMC Violations Resolved

Date: 11/19/2024

Licensee: Isidro Castro, coach

Penalty: Disqualification from covered horse racing results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points and placings and refund or waiver (if applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 penalty points. Admission.

Explanation : 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.

Date: 11/19/2024

Licensee: Cirilo Gorostieta, coach

Penalty: 15-day suspension period for the covered person, beginning November 20, 2024; Disqualification from covered horse racing results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points and placings and refund or waiver (if applicable); a fine of $1,000; imposition of 2 penalty points. HIWU final decision.

Explanation : Medication violation for the presence of Tramadol-a controlled substance (Class B)-in a sample taken from Certain Victor E, who finished second at Belterra Park on 09/26/24.

Date: 11/18/2024

Licensee: Christopher Davis, coach

Penalty: 7-day ineligibility period for the covered person, beginning November 19, 2024; Disqualification from covered horse racing results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points and placings and refund or waiver (if applicable); a fine of $1,000; imposition of 1.5 penalty points. Admission.

Explanation : Medication violation for the presence of Dantrolene—a controlled substance (Class C)—in a sample taken from Morunning, who finished second at Keeneland on 10/10/24.

Date: 11/15/2024

Licensee: Ruby Thomas, trainer

Penalty: A fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 penalty points. Admission.

Explanation : List of veterinarian drug violations for the presence of dantrolene, a controlled substance (Class C) in a sample taken from Crystal Proof on 10/13/24.

Date: 14/11/2024

Licensee: Kelly Von Hemel, trainer

Penalty: 7-day ineligibility period for the covered person, beginning November 15, 2024; Disqualification from covered horse racing results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points and placings and refund or waiver (if applicable); a fine of $1,000; imposition of 2 penalty points. Admission.

Explanation : Medication violation for the presence of Cannabidiol (CBD) – a controlled substance (Class B) – in a sample taken from Jackie Sparrow, who finished second at Prairie Meadows on 08/25/24.

Date: 14/11/2024

Licensee: Efren Loza, coach

Penalty: Equine anti-doping notices withdrawn. No consequences imposed.

Explanation : There were alleged drug violations from the Veterinarians’ List for the presence of Clenbuterol – a substance banned except in strict circumstances – in samples taken in Lucago on 05/08/24 and again on 03/09/24 .

Date: 14/11/2024

Licensee: Robert Hess, coach

Penalty: Disqualification from covered horse racing results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points and placings and refund or waiver (if applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 penalty points. Final decision of the HIWU.

Explanation : Medication violation for the presence of tranexamic acid, a controlled substance (Class C) in a sample taken from Handy Dandy, who won at Del Mar on 8/25/24.

Dates: 14/11 and 15/11/2024

Licensee: Paul Valéry, coach

Penalty: 108 month suspension for multiple violations, $75,000 fine (combined).

Explanation : Medication violations for the presence of Formestane and 4-Hydroxytestosterone, two banned substances, in a sample taken from QuincyCafe, which won at Gulfstream Park on 03/13/24, and Pure Speight, which won at Gulfstream Park on 04/21/24. Race Day Medication Violations for Use or Attempted Use of Two Prohibited Substances – Acid gamma-aminobutyric acid and prasterone – as well as three controlled substances at Quincy Café, which finished fourth at Gulfstream Park on 1/7/24. And charged with possession of two products containing a prohibited substance on 05/14/24.

Date: 13/11/2024

Licensee: Allan Shuchman, coach

Penalty: 7-day suspension period for covered person, beginning November 14, 2024; Disqualification from covered horse racing results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points and placings and refund or waiver (if applicable); a fine of $1,000; imposition of 2 penalty points. Admission.

Explanation : Medication violation for the presence of capsaicin, a controlled substance (Class C) in a sample taken from Wahoowa Wahoowa, who won at Penn National on 10/23/24.

Date: 13/11/2024

Licensee: Doug O’Neill, coach

Penalty: Disqualification from covered horse racing results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points and placings and refund or waiver (if applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 penalty points. Admission.

Explanation : Use or attempted use of a Class C controlled drug on I’llhaveanotherwon during the racing period of 08/24/24. According to the case resolution, “On August 24, 2024, prior to Race 10 at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in Del Mar, California, an employee of Mr. O’Neill administered an equine supplement to the covered horse that I will have another won “. when “only food, hay and water are permitted during the racing period”.

Pending ADMC Violations

11/19/2024, Amador Sánchez, coach: Current medication violations for the presence of lidocaine – a controlled substance (Class B) – in samples taken from Mayheminthepalace, who won at Remington Park on 10/4/24, and Excuses, who finished second at Remington Park 10/6/24.

11/15/2024, Matt Hébert, coach: Pending medication violation for the presence of acepromazine – a controlled substance (Class C) – in a sample taken from Ranch Badge, who won at Remington Park on 9/5/24.

11/15/2024, Efron Loza, Jr., coach: Provisional suspension for the use or attempted use of Clenbuterol – a prohibited substance except in strict circumstances – on the horse Lucago during an event dated 8/5/24.

Cultivation Rule Violations

Due to current technical issues with the HISA Decisions website, we will update next week’s weekly decisions with any violations from this week’s crops.