On Tuesday, April 29, the Ontario Racing Commission released its ruling in regard to the appeals from horseman Kelly Sheppard.

The appeals were in regard to a pair of Class 1 positives tests that horses trained by Sheppard produced after races on August 28 and November 18 in 2013. The positive tests were for the presence of aminorex in the horses’ systems.

The ORC ruling into the appeal stated the trainer responsibility provision under the commission’s rules of racing; but it did also refer to the cases in 2007 where it was ultimately found that aminorex found in horses’ systems was present due to Levamisole in feed that ultimately metabolized into aminorex once in the horses’ systems.

In regard to Sheppard, the ORC stated that it reviewed all mitigating factors in the two horses’ cases. Sheppard has denied using aminorex in the horses and there has been no suggestion that Levamisole was used, either.

The ORC release states that the ORC Panel hearing the appeal is of the view that a further investigation is required to determine if there is any source of the drug that is not as yet known, and for this purpose, other jurisdictions should be approached for assistance. Since such investigation will take time, the Panel will reserve its decision pending further investigation.

The ORC Panel adjourned the appeal for six months to a date in November 2014 to allow for further investigation into another causal link from a source which results in aminorex, and examine alternative measures to deal with positive aminorex drug tests.

To view a copy of the ORC ruling, click here.

(With files from the ORC)