The New York State Racing and Wagering Board has issued fines and suspensions to 16 individuals who were found to be responsible for Oxymetazoline violations at Yonkers Raceway, Monticello Raceway and Saratoga Casino and Raceway. One trainer’s punishment is still under review

by the Board.

Between March 21 and April 1, 2011, at the three tracks, 28 horses tested positive for the topical nasal decongestant in violation of Racing and Wagering Board rule 4120.2 (h), which prohibits drugs (with some exceptions) from being administered to a horse within one week of race time. Oxymetazoline, a component of Afrin, is a bronchial dilator that opens airways and allows the horse to breathe easier.

“These trainers used a prohibited substance but were caught by the Racing and Wagering Board’s investigators and laboratory personnel, who promptly detected the drug,” Board Chairman John D. Sabini said. “We will continue to employ resources to be one step ahead of those who try to cheat in the sport of horse racing in New York state.”

Chairman Sabini acknowledged the diligent work of George Maylin, DVM PhD, Director of the Racing and Wagering Board’s Drug Testing and Research Program at Morrisville State College, in detecting the substance in the horses.

The Board issued various suspensions and fines to the trainers responsible, ranging from 60 days and $750 for first-time offenses, up to 2 years and $5,000 for repeat offenders. The trainers are:

• Joseph S. Anderson: 2 year suspension and $5,000 fine
• Paul Blumenfeld: 180 day suspension and $5,000 fine
• Robert W. Harmon: 180 day suspension and $5,000 fine
• Thomas Merton: 6 month suspension and $2,000 fine
• Lance Hudson: 120 day suspension and $2,000 fine
• Heidi Rohr: 120 day suspension and $2,000 fine
• Mark Kesmodel: 105 day suspension and $1,000 fine
• Christopher Oakes: 105 day suspension and $1,000 fine
• Richard J. Banca: 90 day suspension and $1,000 fine
• Paul N. Fusco: 90 day suspension and $1,000 fine
• Frank Yanoti: 90 day suspension and $1,000 fine
• Kevin W. Johnson: 60 day suspension and $1,000 fine
• Frank Calcagni: 60 day suspension and $750 fine
• Don C. Campbell: 60 day suspension and $750 fine
• David Duspiva: 60 day suspension and $750 fine
• Michael Vanderkemp: 60 day suspension and $750 fine

The matter of April Aldrich is still under review.

Additionally, the Racing and Wagering Board continues to review the circumstances of these post-race positives to determine if any further action is warranted.

The following horses tested positive for Oxymetazoline at the three tracks:

Yonkers Raceway:
• Tropical Joe, finished 4th in Race 5 on March 21 – claimed (Tr: Kevin Johnson)
• Lighting Ridge, finished 1st in Race 8 on March 21 (Tr: Paul Blumenfeld)
• Jacked Up, finished 1st in Race 11 on March 21 (Tr: Lance Hudson)
• Forte Blue Chip, finished 1st in Race 1 on March 22 (Tr: Paul Fusco)
• Mobile, finished 1st in Race 3 on March 22 (Tr. Joe Anderson)
• HFs Super Star, finished 1st in Race 3 on March 25 (Tr: Rob Harmon)
• Someone Like You, finished 1st in Race 5 on March 25 (Tr/Own: Michael Vanderkemp)
• Chancey Lady, finished 1st in Race 6 on March 25 (Tr: Don Campbell)
• Army Hanover, finished 2nd in Race 6 on March 26 (Tr: Paul Blumenfeld)
• Mercurio, finished 1st in Race 1 on March 28 (Tr: Joe Anderson)
• OK Braveheart, finished 1st in Race 2 on March 28 (Tr: Chris Oakes)
• Classic Line, finished 1st in Race 3 on March 28 (Tr: Paul Blumenfeld)
• Hello And Goodbye, finished 1st in Race 4 on March 28 (Tr: Rob Harmon)
• Hurrikane Jon Paul, finished 1st in Race 9 on March 28 (Tr: Heidi Rohr)
• Mobile, finished 5th in Race 5 on March 29 (Tr: Joe Anderson)
• Golden Opt, finished 1st in Race 3 on March 31 (Tr/Own: Lance Hudson)
• Forever Libby, finished 2nd in Race 4 on March 31 (Tr: Joe Anderson)
• HFs Super Star, finished 1st in Race 4 on April 1 (Tr: Rob Harmon)
• Moving Art Owner, finished 2nd in Race 5 on April 1 (Tr: Frank Calcagni)
• Headpoles R Us, finished 1st in Race 8 on April 1 (Tr: Joe Anderson)
• Anndrovette, finished 1st in Race 9 on April 1 (Tr: Mark Kesmodel)

Monticello Raceway:
• Fly Solo, finished 2nd in Race 4 on March 22 (Tr: April Aldrich)
• Dream Big, finished 1st in Race 7 on March 22 (Tr: Frank Yanoti)
• Our Special Girl, finished 1st in Race 5 on March 28 (Tr: April Aldrich)
• Warden Woodie, finished 2nd in Race 10 on March 28 (Tr: Heidi Rohr)
• Fox Valley Logic, finished 1st in Race 7 on March 31 (Tr: Thomas Merton)

Saratoga Casino and Raceway:
• Cadie J, finished 1st in Race 13 on March 27 (Tr: Richard Banca)
• Jim Jam Gigolett, finished 1st in Race 5 on April 1 (Tr: David Duspiva)

(NY State Racing and Wagering Board)