Pennsylvania Commission Rescinds Ruling Against Ness

According to a report from the Thoroughbred Daily News, the Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission has rescinded an August ruling against trainer Jamie Ness that had suspended him for six months for a bufotenine positive.

Ness had also been fined $5,000 for the overage in his runner Crabs N Beer, and has been training since last summer while his case was appealed. Crabs N Beer won a starter/optional claimer in February 2022.

According to his attorney, bufotenine (which is commonly known as “toad venom” and was once a street drug of abuse) can be found in reed canary grass.

Mollica said the appeal did not progress to a hearing but was investigated.

The text of the rescinded ruling, as printed by the TDN reads:

“The Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI) does not specify a threshold level for the substance Bufotenine. Based upon the PSHRC's analysis and investigation, the Commission has determined that the proper procedure would be to utilize the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) recommended residual limit of 10mcg/ml in urine. Based on the IFHA established threshold level, the finding in Sample No. 390762 will not be determined as a positive result. As such, there is no violation of the Commission's Rules of Racing. Therefore, the Parx Board of Stewards Ruling No. 22226PP is hereby RESCINDED.”