A new round of rulings from the Louisiana State Racing Commission's stewards were released this week, including three more for Quarter Horse trainer Rosendo Valdez Jr., bringing his total suspension time well into 2025.
Valdez had already picked up four positives for zilpaterol, which is a Class 2 substance, from races in January and February. Each carried a six-month suspension, which had him suspended through Sept. 20, 2024. The three new rulings now carry his suspension to Sept. 23, 2025, according to the Association of Racing Commissioners International database.
The three new positives came from runner-up Zee Runaway Train in the third race at Louisiana Downs on March 5, TF Toast to Dashing, who won the first race the same day, and MP Don't Look who won the second race on the same card.
Also this week, trainer Kenneth “Trey” Ellis had another zilpaterol positive published, adding to the four he had already accumulated. The new one came from runner Emorylee, who was second in the first race at Louisiana Downs on March 7. Ellis was suspended six months for this positive, bringing his total suspension time to Sept. 30, 2024.
Trainer Barbara Ball also got two zilpaterol positives, which carry suspensions running through March 31, 2023. Those positives came from BJX Supernatural, who won the seventh race at Louisiana Downs on Feb. 21, and RH Shake Em Blue, who won the fourth race on the same card.
Finally, trainer Manuel Pizana was also given a six-month suspension for a positive zilpaterol test from Valiente Harold, who won the third race at Louisiana Downs on Feb. 23. Pizana already had three previously-reported positives for zilpaterol from January and February.
As with the first round of positives, trainers in all cases waived their rights to a split sample test or a hearing before the stewards. All rulings indicate the cases will be referred to the Louisiana commission for unspecified further action.
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