In a ruling dated June 15, 2009, trainer Michael 'Mickey' Burke will be suspended for four months by the New
Jersey Racing Commission, starting July 8 and running to November 8, for two positive tests in horses under his care in 2006 and 2007.
Burke will additionally be fined $2,500 for the violations, lidocaine positives on two horses, both racing at The Meadowlands.
The first violation was for the horse Doggone Incredible on December 9, 2006 in a race in which the horse finished second. At the time, Doggone Incredible was owned by Sylvia Burke, Kevin Koury and M1Stable LLC.
The second violation was also for a positive test for lidocaine in the horse Smashingpringipisa, also at The Meadowlands, on March 22, 2007. That horse was a winner and was owned at the time by Sylvia Burke, Gregg Pistochini and M1Stable LLC.
Purse monies from those races had been held by the Commission but will now be released.
(HRC)
why did it take over 3 years
why did it take over 3 years for the fine & suspensions (postponed hearings, etc.)?...Last winter all the horses were transferred to trainer Ron Burke, Mickey's son; and Mickey was training colts at a training center in Florida. Ron trains the stable. This doesn't even amount to a slap on the wrist.
Big Deal!!!! Ronnie has
Big Deal!!!! Ronnie has been training the horses for months anyway, while Mickey concentrates on the youngsters. As part of the deal, Mickey also agreed to "voluntrarily surrender his license at the end of the 4 month suspension." All they're doing is saving Mickey some money....he's in his 70's. He doesn't need to renew his license ever again. To the best of my knowledge, you don't need a license to break yearlings and train 2 year olds down. And if Ronnie gets in trouble. Mickey Jr will be named as trainer. Life goes on as usual.
Only 4 months, he should be
Only 4 months, he should be gone for good.