Trainer Peter Miller, who announced in November he would be taking a hiatus from training, has been fined by the California Horse Racing Board stewards for picking up a third medication violation in 365 days. A ruling issued Dec. 6 revealed that Miller trainee Mr. Dougie Fresh tested positive for pheylbutazone in a post-workout test following a Sept. 13 workout at San Luis Rey Downs.
Miller has been fined $5,500 for the violation and given a half-point on his license in accordance with California's multiple medication violation rules. The half-point will expire in Sept. 13, 2022.
Additionally, the CHRB ruling cited Rule 1866(h) regarding the veterinarian's list, which outlines the requirements for a horse on the veterinarian's list to perform a workout and have blood and urine samples taken for drug testing before being released from the list.
On Aug. 7, Mr. Dougie Fresh was added to the veterinarian's list for five days due to an unspecified medication administration. On Aug. 26, the horse was claimed from Race 3 at Del Mar, but the claim was voided by the state veterinarian and Mr. Dougie Fresh was placed on the veterinarian's list due to unsoundness on Aug. 27.
Earlier this year, Miller trainee Hembree tested positive for isoflupredone after a Jan. 1 graded stakes race, and graded stakes winner Mo Forza tested positive for phenylbutazone after a workout in June.
On Dec. 5, Miller was listed as the new trainer on Manhattan Up, who was claimed out of the eighth race at Oaklawn. The new owner was listed as Tom Kagele.
“Managing a large stable is a 24-hour, 365-day a year endeavor,” said Miller on Nov. 18 regarding his decision to step back from training beginning on Nov. 29. “The effort to compete at the highest level of my profession has taken its toll on my family and my health and I believe this decision is best for me, my family and our future.”
Miller said at the time he would remain involved in racing as an owner and a racing advisor for his owners and assistants.
Mr. Dougie Fresh later returned to the races and won a claiming race Oct. 11 at Santa Anita, followed by a third in an Oct. 30 claiming contest at Santa Anita, where he was claimed by Doug O'Neill. He has since begun working out at Oaklawn.
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