Those waiting for an outcome in the case of two 2018 drug positives from trainer Steve Asmussen's barn will have to keep waiting. At a regularly-scheduled meeting of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission on Feb. 15, the commission voted to approve a request from the hearing officer in the case for an extension of time to submit her recommended order in the case, which is under appeal.
The commission, which went into closed executive session prior to voting on the request, approved it unanimously and with no further public discussion or explanation as to the reason for the delay.
Two two stewards' rulings against Asmussen were published on Nov. 30, 2019, both for a metabolite of acepromazine. The positives impacted the horse Thousand Percent, who won the second race at Churchill Downs on June 28, 2018 and Boldor, who won the sixth race at Keeneland on Oct. 25, 2018. The initial ruling following the stewards' hearing was a suspension of 60 days and fine of $2,500, but the stewards decided to reduce the suspension to 30 days concurrent for the two violations based on “mitigating circumstances (number of violations in relation to overall record).
Asmussen subsequently appealed the case, which has been open ever since. He was granted a stay of suspension while the appeals process is completed.
Acepromazine can be used as a sedative in horses.
After a licensee appeals a stewards' ruling in Kentucky, the case goes to a hearing officer, who hears arguments from both sides similarly to what would happen in a court proceeding. The hearing officer then writes a report with recommendations which is given to the commission for further determination about what action should be taken. If a licensee appeals the commission's decision, then they proceed to court.
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