By T. D. Thornton
Trainer Jeff Mullins has been suspended 30 days and fined $1,500 as the result of a “settlement agreement and mutual release” with the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) to adjudicate a clenbuterol positive triggered by one of his winning trainees at Del Mar last summer.
The conditions of the agreement call for Mullins to serve 15 days of the suspension, with the remaining 15 days conditionally stayed.
The stewards' ruling, dated Jan. 7, stated that Mullins is “placed on probation for ONE YEAR from the date of this ruling and may not have any violation of CHRB Rules and Regulations…regarding Class I, II or III drug substances. The term of suspension shall be from Jan. 9, 2023, through Jan. 23, 2023. If JEFF MULLINS violates a condition of the probation, FIFTEEN DAYS of stayed suspension shall be imposed following a notice and hearing.”
The positive for clenbuterol (a bronchodilator), which under CHRB rules is a Class 3, Penalty Category B violation, occurred in the gelding Inch (Violence), who won a $50,000/NW3L starter-allowance grass sprint Aug. 25.
Daily Racing Form's Steve Andersen reported that during the suspension, Mullins's son, Jeff Jr., will be the official trainer.
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