Trainer Brian Koriner has been suspended for 40 days and fined $5,000 by Santa Anita Park stewards after a horse under his care, Black Seventeen, exceeded the regulatory threshold for procaine.

Procaine is a local anesthetic and a Class 3 drug violation.

Santa Anita stewards stayed 35 days of Koriner’s suspension, provided the trainer has no additional Class 1, 2, or 3 violations for one year. Koriner will serve the remaining five days of the suspension from April 14 through April 20.

The Kenneth L. Maddy Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory at the University of California-Davis reported that a sample taken from Black Seventeen following a win on May 1, 2007, at Hollywood Park exceeded the threshold for procaine.

The violation was confirmed by the Racing Chemistry Laboratory at Iowa State University.

Koriner’s suspension and fine were issued in accordance with a stipulated agreement between the California Horse Racing Board and the trainer.

Santa Anita stewards also disqualified Lotacat from a runner-up finish on February 10 at Santa Anita and ordered a redistribution of the purse. Lotacat was placed 11th.

The Maddy Laboratory reported that a sample taken from Lotacat tested in excess of the authorized decision level for 3-hydroxy (ethyl)-promazine, a metabolite of acepromazine. Acepromazine is a commonly used tranquilizer in horses.

A hearing date is pending for Dan Hendricks, Lotacat’s trainer.