by Frank Angst

Kentucky stewards decided to take no action against trainer Bobby Barnett after test results that indicated a possible drug violation were not received until 44 days after the race in question.

Because of the delay, Chief Steward John Veitch said the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority would require new communication procedures from the test lab located at Iowa State University. The lab now will send hard copy results to the KHRA’s main office, the stewards, and to the state veterinarian.

Previously, the lab immediately faxed results of suspicious findings to the Authority and then sent hard copies to the KHRA. Veitch said the additional hard copies will allow everyone involved oversight.

In the case in question, Kentucky Authority Executive Director Lisa Underwood said the lab did not fax in the result as suspicious because the lab filed the result as negative, even though the initial results were “suspicious.” A “suspicious” result typically leads to a more thorough test to determine if a violation occurred.

Veitch said the test indicated a positive for the Class 3 drug Atenolol, typically used to control heart murmurs in cats, in Cactus Tom after that horse’s runner-up finish in an October 24 race at Keeneland Race Course. Although the purse money was forfeited and Cactus Tom was disqualified to last, Barnett will not face additional penalty.

Veitch explained that the delay prevented Barnett from effectively presenting his side of the story as to how the drug positive could have occurred. Veitch said during the 44 days, Barnett had made staff changes and it was difficult to retrace what happened. The race forfeiture is being appealed.

In other news at the February 25 Kentucky Authority meeting:

* The committee on tote security said it has visited tote rooms at Turfway Park and Keeneland Race Course, and met with representatives from United Tote and Scientific Games. Underwood, a committee member, said some recommendations should be ready by this spring.

“We’re looking at some changes that for a reasonable cost will be reliable,” said Kentucky Authority board member Frank Kling, who also serves on the committee.

* The Kentucky Authority granted Keeenland Race Course permission to add two wagers: a daily double-type wager on the Maker’s Mark Mile (G1) and Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (G1), scheduled this year for April 11 and 12. Also approved is a Super High Five wager. Currently available at Santa Anita Park, the Super High Five requires bettors to select the first five finishers in a given race and offers a carryover if no one connects.

Keeneland was approved to offer the Super High Five wager in its final race on each card.

Frank Angst is senior writer for Thoroughbred Times