NEWS
McLaughlin to serve 30-day suspension for Kentucky positives
Posted: Wednesday, December 02, 2009 11:14 AM
KIARAN MCLAUGHLIN
Bill Denver/Equi-Photo
Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin has accepted a 30-day suspension for positive tests for a prohibited bronchodilator in three horses who raced in October at Keeneland Race Course.
Post-race tests found trace levels of ipratropium bromide in the urine of Pin Oak Valley View Stakes (G3) winner Bluegrass Princess, allowance winner Liston, and Jessamine Stakes third-place finisher Hatheer.
Kentucky rules do not allow ipratropium at any level on race day. Stewards disqualified the trio and redistributed their purse earnings. Lothenbach Stables' homebred Flatter filly Single Solution was placed first in the Valley View.
McLaughlin’s suspension began on Tuesday and will continue through December 31.
“I agreed to participate in accordance with those rules and, therefore, I accept full responsibility for these violations and will accept the penalty ordered by the stewards, regardless of the issues that are raised,” McLaughlin said in a statement.
McLaughlin said his veterinarian recommended ipratropium bromide for horses who developed a cough from a bronchial reaction to hay dust.
“It was recommended because it is short acting and does not have the steroidal or corticosteroid properties associated with other medications used for this condition,” McLaughlin said. “I was advised to withdraw use of this medication for any horse entered to race at least 48 hours prior to such race. I have followed these guidelines in each instance since I began using this medication.”
McLaughlin said he asked the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission to test blood samples from the three horses to verify that the medication was not administered within 48 hours of a race.
“I have apologized to my owners and thank them for their total support and understanding,” McLaughlin said. “I have a hard-earned reputation for honesty, integrity and horsemanship. I have always conducted myself in accordance with the rules and the best interests and welfare of the horse. I would never compromise my integrity or the integrity of the sport that I love.”
Ipratropium is a Class 3 drug under Association of Racing Commissioners International guidelines. The Category B penalty recommendation is a minimum 15-day suspension and $500 fine for a first offense without mitigating circumstances.
The disqualifications also lifted Called Shot to the win in the allowance race on October 9.
To view McLaughlin's full statement, click here.
