by Frank Angst

In a settlement with Patrick Biancone, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission has extended the trainer’s suspension to November 1.

The commission, then called the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority, suspended Biancone for six months on November 1, 2007. That suspension allowed Biancone to begin assembling a stable after six months but required him to wait one year before seeking a training license.

The current agreement means Biancone cannot train anywhere until November 1. The settlement followed the commission’s determination that Biancone was training horses at a Lexington farm before April 30, 2008, violating terms of the suspension. While agreeing to the settlement, Biancone maintains he did not violate sanctions.

Biancone was suspended last year after investigators found vials of cobra venom in June at his Keeneland Race Course barn. Biancone said that the vials were not his.

The latest action follows a KHRC investigation into Biancone’s activities at the Hurricane Hall Farm in Lexington during the six-month suspension.

“All disciplinary agreements approved by the commission are expected to be carried out by all parties and Mr. Biancone is no exception,” said Lisa Underwood, the commission’s executive director. “The commission will take the actions necessary to make sure its orders are followed. These actions are taken to ensure the integrity of horse racing in Kentucky.”

Frank Angst is a Thoroughbred Times senior writer