News
New York board elects not to discipline Shuman for fluphenazine positives
The New York State Racing and Wagering Board has elected not to discipline trainer Mark Shuman for fluphenazine positives found in a pair of his runners for owner Michael Gill at Saratoga Race Course in August.
Fluphenazine is an antipsychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia and psychotic symptoms in humans.
Gill sued the board for disqualifying Clay's Rocket from a win in a $50,000 claiming race on August 8 and Kalookan Lady from a fourth-place finish in a $75,000 claiming race on August 9, the New York Post reports.
Gill's suit, which is still pending, claims the board's promulgation and enforcement of an emergency rule banning fluphenazine was unlawful, arbitrary, capricious, and an abuse of discretion.
In its decision to not discipline Shuman, the board noted that fluphenazine can stay in a horse's system for more than seven days, which is the mandated withdrawal period for the sedative.
The Association of Racing Commissioners International lists fluphenazine as a Class 2 substance, meaning it has a high potential to affect performance. The drug is not viewed as a therapeutic agent in racehorses.
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