Trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr. has been suspended for 15 days and issued a $500 fine due to a positive test for Gabapentin in his trainee Artie's Princess after her win in the Grade 2 Presque Isle Downs Masters Stakes on Sept. 19, 2022. The Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission also ordered the disqualification of Artie's Princess, as well as purse redistribution; Cafe Society will now be listed as the race winner for trainer Shug McGaughey.
Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant and nerve pain medication which has been studied in horses for the treatment of chronic musculoskeletal pain.
Artie's Princess, a 2017 homebred daughter of We Miss Artie owned by Ken Ramsey and the estate of Sarah Ramsey, won the G2 Masters by 1 1/2 lengths at odds of 3-1. Informed about the positive post-race test for Gabapentin, Joseph availed himself of the right to have the split sample tested. On Jan. 3, 2023, the Texas A & M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory confirmed the positive finding.
The Pennsylvania Commission thus issued the 15-day suspension and $500 fine. Joseph was also assigned four multiple medication violation points, pending period of appeal.
Joseph's suspension is scheduled for June 5 through June 19, 2023. The rulings noted that Joseph has the right to appeal.
The Association of Racing Commissioners International classifies Gabapentin as a Class 3, Penalty Category B drug. Class 3 drugs are those that may or may not have generally accepted medical use in the racing horse, but the pharmacology of which suggests less potential to affect performance than drugs in Class 2.
The post Saffie Joseph Suspended 15 Days For Gabapentin Positive; Artie’s Princess Disqualified From Grade 2 Win appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
