By Dan Ross
Every week, the TDN posts a round-up of the relevant Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) related rulings from around the country.
Among this week's rulings are two steep suspensions. Trainer Francisco Ramos has been banned a total of 10 years and fined a combined $125,000 for five out-of-competition medication violations for Clenbuterol, a substance that is banned outside of very specific circumstances.
According to HIWU's final ruling, HIWU representatives collected blood samples from the horses Scat Shack and Cindy's Storm, and a hair sample from Jim's River Runner, at Belterra Park May 8. HIWU rep's collected hair samples from Tequila Flats and Total Smokescreen at Belterra Park June 1.
Ramos repeatedly failed to respond to deadlines throughout the adjudication process for these five separate cases, the final ruling states. And so, the penalties were reportedly issued by default.
Trainer Adolfo Macias has seen an earlier 18-month ban for possession of Levothyroxine extended another 18 months. HIWU has not yet posted a detailed explainer on the decision, but it relates to HISA rule 3229, which pertains to permitted professional activities during a provisional suspension or ban. Macias's latest 18-month suspension begins May 2, 2025.
NEW HISA/HIWU STEWARDS RULINGS
The following rulings were reported on HISA's “rulings” portal and through the HIWU “pending” and http://www.thoroughbreddailynews.com/“resoloved” cases portals.
Resolved ADMC Violations
Date: 10/28/2024
Licensee: Adolfo Macias, trainer
Penalty: 18-month period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on May 2, 2025. Final decision by HIWU.
Explainer: Related to HISA rule 3229, which pertains to a covered person's status during provisional suspension or ineligibility. Macias is currently in the middle of an 18-month ban, starting Nov. 2, 2023, for a case related possession of Levothyroxine, a banned substance.
Date: 10/25/2024
Licensee: Daniel Hurtak, trainer
Penalty: A fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision by HIWU.
Explainer: Vets' list medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Hosel Rocket on 9/11/24.
Date: 10/24/2024
Licensee: Francisco Ramos, trainer
Penalty: 10-year combined period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on May 30, 2024, and a combined $125,000 fine; 14-month periods of Ineligibility for the relevant Covered Horses.
Explainer: Out-of-competition medication violations for the presence of Clenbuterol—a banned substance except in specific circumstances—in samples taken from Scat Shack, Cindy's Storm and Jim's River Run on 5/8/24, and from Tequila Flats and Total Smokeshow on 6/1/24.
Date: 10/23/2024
Licensee: Edmund Davis, trainer
Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision by HIWU.
Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone—a controlled substance (Class C)—in a sample taken from Drinking Solo, who finished third at Finger Lakes on 9/4/24.
Pending ADMC Violations
10/30/2024, Juan Rizo Patron, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Omeprazole—a controlled substance (Class C)—in a sample taken from Bestial on 10/4/24.
10/28/2024, William Martin, trainer: Use or attempted use of a Class C controlled medication on Super Model Stroll during the race period.
10/24/2024, Bennie Woolley, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Dexamethasone—a controlled substance (Class C)—in a sample taken from Clear the Coast, who finished third at Canterbury Park on 9/21/24.
Violations of Crop Rule
One important note: HISA's whip use limit is restricted to six strikes during a race.
Keeneland
Tyler Gaffalione – violation date October 24; Five-day suspension, $2500 fine
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