Tag: HIWU

Corrigan: `I Did Reach Out’ to HISA

In Friday's TDN, Bill Finley wrote about trainer Jimmy Corrigan's suspension after one of his horses tested positive for methamphetamine Oct. 7 at Belterra. In the story, HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus said that Corrigan hadn't reached out to HISA for help or to let them know he felt the positive test was caused by contamination. Corrigan sent a statement to the TDN Saturday morning contradicting that assertion.

“I would like to make a response to Lisa Lazarus's claim I never reached out to anybody in regards to my case. I reached out to Alan Foreman early on and spoke to him about my case as well as to Mark Casse and Dale Romans, who are on (HISA's) advisory committee. I realized I needed their advice and I reached out early on.”

A HISA spokesman told the TDN, “Mr. Corrigan never responded to the allegation against him and that is why a provisional suspension was imposed.”

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Jimmy Corrigan Vows to Fight HIWU Suspension

When Jimmy Corrigan was informed after an Oct. 7 race at Belterra Park that his horse Stay Lost (Bernardini) had tested positive for the banned substance methamphetamine he was shocked. The native of Ireland had been training in the U.S. since 1992 and had never had a drug positive of any kind. He said he is careful who he hires and that he's sure that no one in his barn had ever touched the drug.

But, at least initially, these things don't matter under the rules of the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU). Corrigan's horse had tested positive and he would be held responsible. With the B sample having come back and also containing methamphetamine, his suspension has taken effect. He faces a suspension of up to two years.

“This has to stop now, not just for me, but for racing,” Corrigan said. “I'm not walking out on this. But things have to change. People are scared and what they have done is create a toxic environment for everyone. People come to me and say they are scared. Is that what they want, where everyone is paranoid? It used to be that when you lost races you worried. Now, when you win races you worry as well.”

Corrigan, 63, who never trained in Ireland, opened up his stable in 1992. He has 315 career winners, including 13 in 2023. His best year was in 2011 when he won 32 races. According to the Jockey Club's Thoroughbred Regulatory Rulings page, Corrigan has never had a positive test. There's nothing about him or his record to even remotely suggest that he cheats.

But that's not something that enters in the picture when a trainer gets a positive test from HIWU for a banned substance. Six trainers have been sanctioned by HIWU for methamphetamine positives, including one trainer, Dick Clark, who has three separate positives for the drug.

Corrigan believes these are all cases of environmental contamination. He said that at Belterra one of the bathrooms is filthy, a reason why some urinate in the stalls. On top of that, he said dozens of people might handle the horse between the time it gets to the track and when it runs.

“They want me to control that. I can't,” he said. “It's environmental contamination. That's what happened. I can't be responsible for what other people are doing. So many different people touch the horses by the time they get to the starting gate. It's ridiculous that this can be penned on anyone.

“We know we're being scrutinized under HISA,” he said. “We're like fish in a bowl. We're under a microscope. Why would anybody give a horse anything when they know they're going to be tested. There's no logic to this, no commonsense. They want you to be responsible for what other people may or may not be doing. That's impossible, they're ignoring science and what you've got is people who don't know what they're doing patting themselves on the back.”

For Corrigan, the next step is to have a hearing which he said will cost him $8,500. If he loses the hearing he can always take his case outside of racing and to a court, which will cost even more money.

“I am not quitting,” he said. “I love the game and have been at it a long, long time. I've got the greatest owners and greatest staff in the country. Nobody has it better than me. I love the game.”

In the meantime, since the suspension went into effect on Dec. 27, he has had to disperse his horses to other trainers. He hopes commonsense will prevail and HIWU will cut him a break. But he can't be sure.

“Yes, I am worried I will get the full two years,” he said. “But to do so they're going to have to ignore that in the 30 years I've been training I've never had a bad test. And 30 years later, I am going to start cheating? It's mind boggling.”

Asked to comment on the Corrigan suspension, Alexa Ravit, Director of Communications & Outreach of the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit, provided the following statement:

“There were 10 reported methamphetamine findings (five positives from the same trainer, and two positives from Belterra) from 34,470 horses tested through October 7, the date of sample collection for Stay Lost. Therefore, the methamphetamine positivity rate was 0.029%.

When a trainer is notified that a Covered Horse under their care has tested positive for a human substance of abuse such as methamphetamine, the positive test will not be publicized, and a Provisional Suspension will not be imposed, unless/until the B Sample result confirms the A Sample finding. This rule was modified to give trainers time while the B Sample analysis was being completed to provide information to HIWU that indicates that the positive test result was likely due to unintended transfer or contamination.

Mr. Corrigan did not provide any information to HIWU while waiting for B Sample analysis. The ADMC Program's adjudication procedures for alleged Anti-Doping Rule Violations include the right to request a hearing before the Arbitral Body, and Mr. Corrigan has informed HIWU that he is exercising that right.”

HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus added, “HISA and HIWU have gone to tremendous efforts to make resources available to trainers to bring information to our attention if a horse tests positive. We made Alan Foreman available as an ombudsman, we launched a panel of free lawyers for trainers who can't afford representation, and our staff is always available to answer questions and liaise with horsemen. When Mr. Corrigan was notified of his positive test he was asked by HIWU to provide any information that would help in the evaluation of his case. He ignored the request and never answered HIWU or provided any information whatsoever. The first time we learned that he believed the positive test was caused by contamination was when we were asked to comment on the case by the TDN. It is very hard to help trainers if they do not communicate with us or use the resources available to them.”

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Weekly Stewards And Commissions Rulings Dec. 26–Jan. 1

Every week, the TDN posts a roundup of the relevant Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) related rulings from around the country.

Among the key rulings from the last seven days, trainer Jimmy Corrigan has been provisionally suspended as a result of his trainee, Stay Lost–who won at Belterra Park on Oct. 7 last year–testing positive for Methamphetamine.

HISA currently lists Methamphetamine–a common human recreation drug–as a banned substance, which comes with a possible two-year suspension. With banned substances under HISA, responsible parties are subject to a provisional suspension, prior to a full hearing, if the B sample confirms the positive test result from the A sample.

As part of a list of proposed rule changes before the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), drugs like Methamphetamine could be re-categorized as human substances of abuse.

If the FTC accepts this rule change, the trainer could still possibly face a provisional suspension for a “human substances of abuse” violation, if the B sample analysis confirms the original positive test result.

“However, the trainer would not be subject to a suspension of more than 60 days (for a first violation) if HIWU accepts that the positive test was more likely than not the result of unintentional transfer or contamination,” wrote a Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit spokesperson.

NEW HISA/HIWU STEWARDS RULINGS

The following rulings were reported on HISA's “rulings” portal and through the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit's (HIWU) “pending” and “resolved” cases portals.

Resolved ADMC Violations

Date: 08/16/2023

Licensee: Robert Leaf Jr., trainer

Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision by internal adjudication panel.

Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone–Controlled Medications (Class C)–in a sample taken from Laddie Dance, who won at Delaware Park on 8/16/23. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Date: 11/29/2023

Licensee: Lacey Gaudet, trainer

Penalty: A fine of $3,000; imposition of 3 Penalty Points. Final decision by HIWU.

Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314—Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method–on the horse, Graceful Union. This was also a possible violation of Rule 4222–Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.

Date: 11/14/2023

Licensee: Robert Lucas, trainer

Penalty: A fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision by HIWU.

Explainer: For the presence of Dexamethasone–Controlled Medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from Shake N Fries. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Date: 10/21/2023

Licensee: Webster Gayle, trainer

Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision by HIWU.

Explainer: For the presence of Dexamethasone—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Tankinator, who finished sixth at Delaware Park on 10/21/23. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Pending ADMC Violations

Date: 12/08/2023

Licensee: Kevin Martin, trainer

Penalty: Pending

Alleged violation: Medication violation

Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314—Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method—on the horse, Strings. This was also a possible violation of Rule 4222—Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.

Date: 12/06/2023

Licensee: Patricio Venzor (listed on Equibase as owner, listed on the HISA portal as trainer)

Penalty: Pending

Alleged violation: Medication violation

Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone–Controlled Medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from Desert Danger. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312–Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Date: 12/03/2023

Licensee: Angel Sanchez-Pinero, trainer

Penalty: Pending

Alleged violation: Medication violation

Explainer: For the presence of Glycopyrrolate—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Le Vin, who finished second at Laurel Park on 12/3/23. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Date: 11/25/2023

Licensee: Jesus Romero, trainer

Penalty: Pending

Alleged violation: Medication violation

Explainer: For the presence of Diclofenac–Controlled Medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from Blake B, who won at Aqueduct on 11/25/23. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312–Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Date: 12/01/2023

Licensee: Steve Miyadi, trainer

Penalty: Pending

Alleged violation: Medication violation

Explainer: For the presence of Dimethylsulfoxide—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Dorie Miller, who won at Golden Gate on 12/1/23. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Date: 11/25/2023

Licensee: Jaime Ness, trainer

Penalty: Pending

Alleged violation: Medication violation

Explainer: For the presence of Glycopyrrolate–Controlled Medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from Ournationonparade. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312–Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Date: 11/21/2023

Licensee: David Meridyth, trainer

Penalty: Pending

Alleged violation: Medication violation

Explainer: For the presence of Omeprazole—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Wild Firewater, who won at Zia Park on 11/21/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Date: 11/17/2023

Licensee: Amador Sanchez, trainer

Penalty: Pending

Alleged violation: Medication violation

Explainer: For the presence of Dexamethasone—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Soy Una Dama, who won at Gulfstream Park on 11/17/23. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Date: 10/07/2023

Licensee: Jimmy Corrigan, trainer

Penalty: Provisionally suspended

Alleged Violation: Medication violation

Explainer: For the presence of Methamphetamine—a banned substance—in a sample taken from Stay Lost, who won at Belterra Park on 10/7/23. This was a possible violation of Rule 3212—Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.

Violations of Crop Rule

One important note: HISA's whip use limit is restricted to six strikes during a race.

Golden Gate Fields

Jose Carlos Montalvo–violation date Dec 26; $250 fine, one-day suspension

Santa Anita

Edwin Maldonado–violation date Dec 26; $250 fine, one-day suspension, one strike over the limit

Jose Verenzuela–violation date Dec 31; $500 fine, one-day suspension, five strikes over the limit

OTHER KEY RULINGS

The TDN also publishes a roundup of key official rulings from the primary tracks within the four major racing jurisdictions of California, New York, Florida and Kentucky.

Here's a primer on how each of these jurisdictions adjudicates different offenses, what they make public (or not) and where.

California

Track: Santa Anita

Date: 12/30/2023

Licensee: Umberto Rispoli, jockey

Penalty: Four-day suspension

Violation: Careless riding

Explainer: Jockey Umberto Rispoli, who rode Mo Fox Given in the fifth race at Santa Anita Park on December 29, 2023, is suspended for FOUR (4) racing days (January 6, 7, 12 and 13, 2024) for failure to make the proper effort to maintain a straight course in the stretch, causing interference; a violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1699 (Riding Rules-careless riding–second offense in the last sixty (60) days).

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Letter To The Editor: Nick de Meric

I just wanted to express my frustration and disappointment that we, as an industry, seem incapable of presenting a meaningful response to the negativity we are currently facing in the mainstream media. For example, when the 60 Minutes documentary aired several weeks ago, it elicited a wave of legitimate outrage. But the industry's side of the story was nowhere to be seen outside the trade press. We have a collective tendency, at times like this, to wring our hands and shuffle our feet, figuratively speaking.

Surely the Thoroughbred Racing Industry, with all the fine bodies encompassed within it, with all their titles and acronyms, should have a public relations/damage control body tasked with countering some of the misinformation and negative reporting circulating in the free press?

We have so many positives to present: the improvements to injury detection, increased out of competition testing, the monitoring of training and workouts, more pre race veterinary oversight, the dedication of Thoroughbred Retirement facilities and the huge success of the Thoroughbred Makeover Project, stricter drug testing and uniformity of rules through HISA and HWIU, more stringent protocols at sales and the resulting improvements to horse and jockey safety, all of which are clearly reflected in independent studies. And while with most of these we are playing off the back foot, playing defense, none of it takes into account the many 'feel good' stories from this year's racing, the magnificent spectacle of Thoroughbreds racing on a big race day, the euphoria of backing a winning combination or the sheer joy of owning a competitive racehorse.

We now face the fallout from another damaging 'documentary' on racing, titled, 'Broken Horses', this time from the Disney Company, in which we are told that Thoroughbred horseracing's social license to exist is to be questioned, among other things. How many more such exposés in the mainstream media can we survive? Yet more fodder for the abolitionists. At what point will the New York State legislature decide to scrap plans for Belmont's renovation and spend the funds elsewhere?

It seems we are in desperate need of an intelligently choreographed, sustained PR campaign stressing the love of the animals that is inseparable from our fine sport, the significant economic impact of the industry in racing states, of the beauty of the horses themselves or of the farms that nurture them, the rich traditions of its history, the international competition between owners, trainers and racing jurisdictions globally and the excitement associated with owning, or just betting, a winner. These are significant talking points, of which we could make far better use.

We have industry insiders loudly and publicly calling for an overhaul of the sport, of purging 'the evildoers' and of the rampant use of performance enhancing drugs, which only adds fuel to the firestorm of public criticism. Yes, we need constantly to raise the bar and continue to make ongoing improvements in every aspect the sport, which, by the way, we are doing. We all agree on this.

But it seems to me that it is past time to link arms and present a united front that gives a more accurate portrayal of our beautiful sport, and its fine athletes, than that which is fed to the public by certain factions of the mainstream media. With the many powerful intellects and social influencers among our participants, it defies credibility that we seem unable to create an entity whose sole task is to present the multitude of positives our sport has to offer.

Perhaps now would be a really good time to form such a body.

Respectfully,

Nick de Meric.

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