Trainer Robert Gerl has been suspended 20 years and fined $100,000 after two horses under his care tested positive for ostarine, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) announced Tuesday.
The drug acts much like anabolic steroids in that it is used to create anabolic activity and enhance muscle growth by directly stimulating androgen receptors. A non-therapeutic substance, it has not been approved for human use or consumption in the U.S., or in any other country.
The AGCO alleges that two horses trained by Gerl, Arafat (War On Gaza) and Komunist (Conquest Curlinate), tested positive for the drug. Komunist tested positive for ostarine after finishing fourth in a $10,000 maiden claimer on Oct. 15 at Woodbine. Arafat's post-race positive involves an Oct. 7 maiden optional claimer in which he finished second. Neither horse has raced since the alleged infractions.
In the press release announcing the suspensions, the AGCO said that the substance was also found in one of the Gerl-trained horses in out-of-competition tests, but did not specify which of the two horses were involved in those tests.
“The health and welfare of racehorses, and the integrity of racing are of primary concern to the AGCO,” said Tom Mungham, the chief executive officer and registrar for the AGCO. “We will continue to take all appropriate actions to protect horses and maintain the fairness of racing. The administration of prohibited substances, especially non-therapeutic drugs, have no business in the sport, and positive test results can lead to severe consequences for licence holders.”
The two horses have been disqualified and the purse money they earned must be returned and redistributed.
According to equineline.com, Gerl has been training since 2007 and has a career record of 65-for-1132. He was 0-for-25 in both 2021 and 2020. He does not have a start this year. He has never had a starter in a stakes race.
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