Currently the second-leading trainer at Charles Town, Ronney Brown has been handed a $1,000 fine after one of his trainees tested positive for clenbuterol. The veteran conditioner also received a 15-day suspension from the West Virginia Racing Commission, but those days were stayed on the basis that he not have another violation through May 09, 2024.
The ruling, posted on the Association of Racing Commissioners International website, indicates that Caribbean Pleasure returned a positive test for clenbuterol after winning the first race on Aug. 4. The 3-year-old gelding's blood sample showed clenbuterol at a concentration level of 1,520 +/- 140 picograms per mL; the post-race level of detection set out in the West Virginia regulations is 140 pg/ml. Brown availed himself of his right to split sample testing; the second blood sample showed clenbuterol at a concentration level of 1,788 +/- 147 picograms per mL.
Brown told the commission that he has never used or had any of his horses treated with Clenbuterol, since the withdrawal guidelines were changed to 14 days in West Virginia. This was named in addition to three other mitigating factors when considering Brown's penalty:
- This is Brown's first medication violation of any kind since 2017.
- Clenbuterol is a Class 3 drug, which, pursuant to 178 W. Va. C.S.R. 1, section 49.2.d, “may influence performance, but generally have a more limited ability to do so.”
- The drug clenbuterol is legally available.
Caribbean Pleasure was disqualified from the victory, with purse money ordered returned. Brown was fined $1,000, and a 15-day suspension was stayed; the trainer was also sanctioned with 2 Multiple Medication Violation Points added to his record.
West Virginia is not currently subject to regulation of the national Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, due to ongoing legal disputes. However, under HISA regulations, clenbuterol is classified as a banned substance, and thus Brown would have been subject to a two-year ban and a fine of up to $25,000.
Based at Charles Town, Brown's interest in horses has been lifelong. His father began purchasing horses in 1946 and as a youngster he visited Charles Town to watch the horses race. He also worked at the track during the summer, beginning in 1978. Brown worked in the construction business in the early 1980s before taking out his trainer's license in 1986. He also has owned Thoroughbreds since 1984.
Brown celebrated his 3,000th winner in May of 2023. To date, Brown's 17,702 starters have bankrolled more than $37 million in purse earnings; he ranks 36th on the all-time wins list among North American trainers.
Along with his wife, Nicole, Brown operates Pellinore Lane Farm near Charles Town and stands stallions Bullsbay and Mr. Monomoy. Brown is also a member of the Charles Town HBPA's board of directors.
The post West Virginia Commission Fines Trainer Ronney Brown $1,000 For Clenbuterol Positive appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
