Trainer Doug O'Neill has been suspended 60 days, fined $10,000, and put on probation for one year stemming from a medication positive by his starter Worse Read Sanchez (Square Eddie) at Golden Gate Fields May 1, according to a ruling posted on the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) website. The 3-year-old gelding finished third in Golden Gate's Silky Sullivan S., his only start at the Northern California track. Worse Read Sanchez, who is owned by Reddam Racing LLC, has since made five additional starts at Santa Anita and Del Mar, with his best finish a third Oct. 7 in an optional allowance in Arcadia.
The ruling is pursuant to CHRB Rule #1887 for violation of CHRB Rules #1843 (a) & (d) (Medication, Drugs and Other Substances) and #1843.1 (a) (Prohibited Drug Substances). The prohibited substance was reportedly lidocaine, a Class 2 violation.
In addition to a 60-day suspension and $10,000 fine, O'Neill will be placed on a one-year probation, retroactive to May 1, the date of the violation, and ending May 1, 2023. His 60-day suspension is to be stayed 30 days for good cause. The actual days of suspension will begin Nov. 21 and end Dec. 20. If any of the probation is violated, the stayed 30 days will be reinstated in addition to any penalty for any addition rule violation.
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