PSA: Fines and Suspensions
Quote from talkinghorse on June 29, 2025, 10:59 AMFAS Rulings for Friday, June 27, 2025
NOTABLES:
DONELLA, SHARON WASHINGTON, PA YOB 1951
Mea on 7/29/2022 FULL - INDEFINITELY AS OF 8/1/2022
TRAINING - 75 DAYS, 8/1/2022 THRU 10/14/2022
APPEALED - 11/8/2022
CONDUCT DETRIMENTAL TO THE BEST INTEREST OF HORSE RACING
During a vehicle search conducted on July 29, 2022 Commission investigators found
numerous needles, syringes, and injectable substances. Pursuant to Section 179.40(a) and
205.33d(3) trainer Sharon Donella is hereby summarily suspended pending a hearing
before the board of judges for potential violation of PA Code Title 7-401.6(b) (Possession of
illegal, prohibited substances and devices) and 401.61 (Possession of hypodermic needles,
syringes, and injectable substances).
Status as of 11/8/2022 - Appeal - Ruling# 22048C The request by Sharon J. Donella
for an appeal of the Meadows Board of Judges Ruling No. 22149M is hereby
GRANTED. The supersedeas is also Granted.
Mea on 7/29/2022 FINED: $2,500
FULL - 290 DAYS, 10/14/2022 THRU 7/30/2023
POSSESSION OF HYPODERMIC NEEDLES, SYRINGES AND/OR INJECTABLE
AND/OR OTHER DRUGS
PA Code Title 7-401.6(b) (Possession of illegal, prohibited substances and devices.)
401.61 (Possession of hypodermic needles, syringes and injectable substances.) During a
vehicle search conducted at the Meadows on July 29, 2022, trainer Sharon Donella was
found to be in possession of (8) syringes, (35) needles, (15) bottles of injectable
substances, and (5) tubes of Omeprazole paste without a prescription label. Ms. Donella
was issued a summary suspension beginning on August 1, 2022. A final hearing regarding
this manner was conducted in the judges` office on October 6, 2022. After the hearing the
judges determined the following penalties: 1. Ms. Donella is fined $10,000 which is duewithin 10 days of this ruling. 2. A full suspension of 290 days beginning October 14, 2022
through July 30, 2023 (inclusive). Ms. Donella is given credit for the 75 days already served
while under summary suspension. During the period of this suspension Ms. Donella is
barred from all grounds under the j[sic]
Status as of 6/20/2025 - Subsequent Ruling - Ruling #25008C Amended Ruling On
April 26, 2023, Sharon Donella voluntarily surrendered her owner-train-driver license
and waived her rights to a formal hearing regarding Ruling No. 22149M issued by the
Board of Judge at the Meadows which imposed a one-year full suspension and a
$10,000 fine. In accordance with Commission Ruling 23014C issued on May 9, 2023,
in order for Ms. Donella to reapply for a new Commission license, she would have to
provide an applicable doctorâs certificate, which she has now done. In addition, Ms.
Donella would have to satisfy her outstanding penalty or otherwise negotiate a
settlement with the Director of Standardbred Racing. To that end, based upon a
review of the underlying facts of this matter and given that Ms. Donella has not
participated in any racing activities for over three years (two years beyond the oneyear suspension), the Commission hereby agrees to reduce the previously imposed
fine to $2,500.00. Upon the payment of the amended fine, Ms. Donella will be in good
standing and eligible to apply for a new license, which will be reviewed by the
Commissionâs Director of Licensing.
FAS Rulings for Friday, June 27, 2025
NOTABLES:
DONELLA, SHARON WASHINGTON, PA YOB 1951
Mea on 7/29/2022 FULL - INDEFINITELY AS OF 8/1/2022
TRAINING - 75 DAYS, 8/1/2022 THRU 10/14/2022
APPEALED - 11/8/2022
CONDUCT DETRIMENTAL TO THE BEST INTEREST OF HORSE RACING
During a vehicle search conducted on July 29, 2022 Commission investigators found
numerous needles, syringes, and injectable substances. Pursuant to Section 179.40(a) and
205.33d(3) trainer Sharon Donella is hereby summarily suspended pending a hearing
before the board of judges for potential violation of PA Code Title 7-401.6(b) (Possession of
illegal, prohibited substances and devices) and 401.61 (Possession of hypodermic needles,
syringes, and injectable substances).
Status as of 11/8/2022 - Appeal - Ruling# 22048C The request by Sharon J. Donella
for an appeal of the Meadows Board of Judges Ruling No. 22149M is hereby
GRANTED. The supersedeas is also Granted.
Mea on 7/29/2022 FINED: $2,500
FULL - 290 DAYS, 10/14/2022 THRU 7/30/2023
POSSESSION OF HYPODERMIC NEEDLES, SYRINGES AND/OR INJECTABLE
AND/OR OTHER DRUGS
PA Code Title 7-401.6(b) (Possession of illegal, prohibited substances and devices.)
401.61 (Possession of hypodermic needles, syringes and injectable substances.) During a
vehicle search conducted at the Meadows on July 29, 2022, trainer Sharon Donella was
found to be in possession of (8) syringes, (35) needles, (15) bottles of injectable
substances, and (5) tubes of Omeprazole paste without a prescription label. Ms. Donella
was issued a summary suspension beginning on August 1, 2022. A final hearing regarding
this manner was conducted in the judges` office on October 6, 2022. After the hearing the
judges determined the following penalties: 1. Ms. Donella is fined $10,000 which is duewithin 10 days of this ruling. 2. A full suspension of 290 days beginning October 14, 2022
through July 30, 2023 (inclusive). Ms. Donella is given credit for the 75 days already served
while under summary suspension. During the period of this suspension Ms. Donella is
barred from all grounds under the j[sic]
Status as of 6/20/2025 - Subsequent Ruling - Ruling #25008C Amended Ruling On
April 26, 2023, Sharon Donella voluntarily surrendered her owner-train-driver license
and waived her rights to a formal hearing regarding Ruling No. 22149M issued by the
Board of Judge at the Meadows which imposed a one-year full suspension and a
$10,000 fine. In accordance with Commission Ruling 23014C issued on May 9, 2023,
in order for Ms. Donella to reapply for a new Commission license, she would have to
provide an applicable doctorâs certificate, which she has now done. In addition, Ms.
Donella would have to satisfy her outstanding penalty or otherwise negotiate a
settlement with the Director of Standardbred Racing. To that end, based upon a
review of the underlying facts of this matter and given that Ms. Donella has not
participated in any racing activities for over three years (two years beyond the oneyear suspension), the Commission hereby agrees to reduce the previously imposed
fine to $2,500.00. Upon the payment of the amended fine, Ms. Donella will be in good
standing and eligible to apply for a new license, which will be reviewed by the
Commissionâs Director of Licensing.
Quote from talkinghorse on July 4, 2025, 9:37 PMFAS Rulings for Friday, July 4, 2025
NOTABLES:
BUTENSCHOEN, JOHN R WIND GAP, PA YOB 1963
MVR on 4/24/2025 FINED: $1,000
HORSE DISQUALIFIED - PLACED 9, PURSE
REDISTRIBUTION
POSITIVE TEST- POST RACE
OSRC 3769-18-01-A(1,10,13,15,16), 3769-18-02, 3769-17-43. Blood sample #927379 was
tested by the Ohio Department of Agriculture ATL and was found to contain
Dexamethasone, a Class 4 drug, at a concentration level of 15 picograms per milliliter of
plasma, which exceeds the Regulatory threshold of 5 picograms per milliliter of plasma that
was adopted by the OSRC. Blood sample #927379 was provided by #3 R Maggie, who
finished 1st in race 5 on 4/24/25 at Miami Valley Raceway, and was trained by Mr.
Butenschoen. Mr. Butenschoen requested a split sample which confirmed the findings. Mr.
Butenschoen waived his right to a hearing. This is Mr. Butenschoen`s first medication
violation in the last 365 days. #3 is disqualified and placed 9th, and the purse earnings of
$12,500 are ordered to be returned to Miami Valley Raceway within 10 days of this ruling,
to be redistributed accordingly. Mr. Butenschoen is given a $1000 fine and a 10 day full
suspension (07/05/25-07/14/25), or a $1000 fine if not appealed, which is due within 10
days of this ruling. During his suspension, Mr. Butenschoen is denied the use and
privileges of all the grounds sanctioned by the OSRC. All horses owned and/or trained by
Mr. Butenschoen may only be transferred by the Judges in Ohio or the OSRC. Mr.
Butenschoen has 48 hours to appeal this decision to the OSRC.
ROBINSON, EUGENE MANNON HAVRE DE GRACE, MD YOB 1965
RcR on 4/7/2025 FINED: $1,000
FULL - 30 DAYS, 6/23/2025 THRU 7/22/2025
POSSESSION OF HYPODERMIC NEEDLES, SYRINGES AND/OR INJECTABLE
AND/OR OTHER DRUGS
Investigative barn and truck/trailer searches were conducted on April 7th, 2025 at Rosecroft
Raceway. During these searches, several unlabeled bottles with an unknown liquid were
found and confiscated belonging to trainer Eugene Robinson. The contents of these bottles
were sent for analysis to Industrial Laboratories, which reported the presence of Sildenafil
and Tadalafil. As a result, Robinson is issued a fine of $1,000.00. Additionally, he will be
issued a 30-day full suspension from June 23rd, 2025 through July 22nd, 2025. During this
suspension, he and all horses owned and/or trained by him are barred from the grounds
under the jurisdiction of the Maryland Racing Commission. All fines are due within 10 days
of the ruling or the Maryland Racing Commission licensee will be suspended until payment
is received. COMAR:09.10.03.03.A(19)(a)
WISHER, ADRIAN A MOUNTAIN TOP, PA YOB 1968
RcR on 4/7/2025 FINED: $1,500
FULL - 60 DAYS, 7/2/2025 THRU 8/30/2025
POSSESSION OF HYPODERMIC NEEDLES, SYRINGES AND/OR INJECTABLE
AND/OR OTHER DRUGS
Investigative barn and truck/trailer searches were conducted on April 7th, 2025 at Rosecroft
Raceway. During these searches, a hypodermic needle and syringe containing an unknown
liquid was found and confiscated belonging to trainer Adrian Wisher. The contents of this
syringe was sent for analysis to Industrial Laboratories, which reported the presence of
Sildenafil and Tadalafil. As a result, Wisher is issued a fine of $1,500.00. Additionally, he
will be issued a 60-day full suspension from July 2nd, 2025 through August 30th, 2025.
During this suspension, he and all horses owned and/or trained by him are barred from the
grounds under the jurisdiction of the Maryland Racing Commission. All fines are due within
10 days of the ruling or the Maryland Racing Commission licensee will be suspended until
payment is received. COMAR:09.10.03.03.A(19)(a) and COMAR:09.10.03.03.A(19)(b)
FAS Rulings for Friday, July 4, 2025
NOTABLES:
BUTENSCHOEN, JOHN R WIND GAP, PA YOB 1963
MVR on 4/24/2025 FINED: $1,000
HORSE DISQUALIFIED - PLACED 9, PURSE
REDISTRIBUTION
POSITIVE TEST- POST RACE
OSRC 3769-18-01-A(1,10,13,15,16), 3769-18-02, 3769-17-43. Blood sample #927379 was
tested by the Ohio Department of Agriculture ATL and was found to contain
Dexamethasone, a Class 4 drug, at a concentration level of 15 picograms per milliliter of
plasma, which exceeds the Regulatory threshold of 5 picograms per milliliter of plasma that
was adopted by the OSRC. Blood sample #927379 was provided by #3 R Maggie, who
finished 1st in race 5 on 4/24/25 at Miami Valley Raceway, and was trained by Mr.
Butenschoen. Mr. Butenschoen requested a split sample which confirmed the findings. Mr.
Butenschoen waived his right to a hearing. This is Mr. Butenschoen`s first medication
violation in the last 365 days. #3 is disqualified and placed 9th, and the purse earnings of
$12,500 are ordered to be returned to Miami Valley Raceway within 10 days of this ruling,
to be redistributed accordingly. Mr. Butenschoen is given a $1000 fine and a 10 day full
suspension (07/05/25-07/14/25), or a $1000 fine if not appealed, which is due within 10
days of this ruling. During his suspension, Mr. Butenschoen is denied the use and
privileges of all the grounds sanctioned by the OSRC. All horses owned and/or trained by
Mr. Butenschoen may only be transferred by the Judges in Ohio or the OSRC. Mr.
Butenschoen has 48 hours to appeal this decision to the OSRC.
ROBINSON, EUGENE MANNON HAVRE DE GRACE, MD YOB 1965
RcR on 4/7/2025 FINED: $1,000
FULL - 30 DAYS, 6/23/2025 THRU 7/22/2025
POSSESSION OF HYPODERMIC NEEDLES, SYRINGES AND/OR INJECTABLE
AND/OR OTHER DRUGS
Investigative barn and truck/trailer searches were conducted on April 7th, 2025 at Rosecroft
Raceway. During these searches, several unlabeled bottles with an unknown liquid were
found and confiscated belonging to trainer Eugene Robinson. The contents of these bottles
were sent for analysis to Industrial Laboratories, which reported the presence of Sildenafil
and Tadalafil. As a result, Robinson is issued a fine of $1,000.00. Additionally, he will be
issued a 30-day full suspension from June 23rd, 2025 through July 22nd, 2025. During this
suspension, he and all horses owned and/or trained by him are barred from the grounds
under the jurisdiction of the Maryland Racing Commission. All fines are due within 10 days
of the ruling or the Maryland Racing Commission licensee will be suspended until payment
is received. COMAR:09.10.03.03.A(19)(a)
WISHER, ADRIAN A MOUNTAIN TOP, PA YOB 1968
RcR on 4/7/2025 FINED: $1,500
FULL - 60 DAYS, 7/2/2025 THRU 8/30/2025
POSSESSION OF HYPODERMIC NEEDLES, SYRINGES AND/OR INJECTABLE
AND/OR OTHER DRUGS
Investigative barn and truck/trailer searches were conducted on April 7th, 2025 at Rosecroft
Raceway. During these searches, a hypodermic needle and syringe containing an unknown
liquid was found and confiscated belonging to trainer Adrian Wisher. The contents of this
syringe was sent for analysis to Industrial Laboratories, which reported the presence of
Sildenafil and Tadalafil. As a result, Wisher is issued a fine of $1,500.00. Additionally, he
will be issued a 60-day full suspension from July 2nd, 2025 through August 30th, 2025.
During this suspension, he and all horses owned and/or trained by him are barred from the
grounds under the jurisdiction of the Maryland Racing Commission. All fines are due within
10 days of the ruling or the Maryland Racing Commission licensee will be suspended until
payment is received. COMAR:09.10.03.03.A(19)(a) and COMAR:09.10.03.03.A(19)(b)
Quote from talkinghorse on July 11, 2025, 11:03 AMFAS Rulings for Friday, July 11, 2025
NOTABLES:
BROWN, CHRIS A CHARLESTON, IL YOB 1973
Rshvl on 7/1/2025 FINED: $1,000
DRIVING - 30 DAYS, 7/8/2025 THRU 8/6/2025
CONDITIONAL/PROBATIONARY - 171 DAYS,
7/14/2025 THRU 12/31/2025
ASSAULT AND BATTERY UPON ANOTHER PARTICIPANT LICENSEE
Driver/trainer Chris Brown is issued a $1,000 fine and 30-day full suspension (July 4, 2025
through and including August 2, 2025) for violation of USTA Rules 20.01 (Improper
Language by Participants) and 20.02 (Commit Assault or Battery). After the 9th race on
July 1, 2025 at the Schuyler County Fair in Rushville, IL, Mr. Brown struck another licensee
with a head pole on the backstretch and used improper language. This is Mr. Brownâs
second offense of this nature in the past two weeks.
Status as of 7/8/2025 - Subsequent Ruling - The District 5 Board of Review hereby
orders Chris Brown a fine of $1,000 and a 30-day driving suspension, beginning July
8th through and including August 6th, which permits him to be named as a driver on
or after August 7th. In addition, Mr. Brown shall be on probation for a period through
12/31/25. Any further non-racing violation in which involves any act of disorderly or
inappropriate conduct throughout the remainder of the year, Mr. Brown shall receive
an additional 180-day full suspension as a result. The fine of $1,000 is due within 30
days of this ruling.
FAS Rulings for Friday, July 11, 2025
NOTABLES:
BROWN, CHRIS A CHARLESTON, IL YOB 1973
Rshvl on 7/1/2025 FINED: $1,000
DRIVING - 30 DAYS, 7/8/2025 THRU 8/6/2025
CONDITIONAL/PROBATIONARY - 171 DAYS,
7/14/2025 THRU 12/31/2025
ASSAULT AND BATTERY UPON ANOTHER PARTICIPANT LICENSEE
Driver/trainer Chris Brown is issued a $1,000 fine and 30-day full suspension (July 4, 2025
through and including August 2, 2025) for violation of USTA Rules 20.01 (Improper
Language by Participants) and 20.02 (Commit Assault or Battery). After the 9th race on
July 1, 2025 at the Schuyler County Fair in Rushville, IL, Mr. Brown struck another licensee
with a head pole on the backstretch and used improper language. This is Mr. Brownâs
second offense of this nature in the past two weeks.
Status as of 7/8/2025 - Subsequent Ruling - The District 5 Board of Review hereby
orders Chris Brown a fine of $1,000 and a 30-day driving suspension, beginning July
8th through and including August 6th, which permits him to be named as a driver on
or after August 7th. In addition, Mr. Brown shall be on probation for a period through
12/31/25. Any further non-racing violation in which involves any act of disorderly or
inappropriate conduct throughout the remainder of the year, Mr. Brown shall receive
an additional 180-day full suspension as a result. The fine of $1,000 is due within 30
days of this ruling.
Quote from talkinghorse on July 18, 2025, 11:27 AMFAS Rulings for Friday, July 18, 2025
NOTABLES:
CLABAUGH, LARRY L MEDINA, OH YOB 1962
Nfld on 5/27/2025 FINED: $500
HORSE DISQUALIFIED - PLACED 10, PURSE
REDISTRIBUTION
POSITIVE TEST- POST RACE
Blood sample #930154 collected at Northfield Park on 5/27/25 from the horse Swartz Bros
Donna was found to contain Flunixin at a concentration of 36.1 +/- 1.5 nanograms per
milliliter of plasma. This exceeds the regulatory Threshold of 20 nanograms per milliliter
adopted by the OSRC. Mr. Clabaugh waived his rights to a split sample, DNA, and a
hearing. This is Mr. Clabaugh`s first medication violation in the last 365 days. Mr. Clabaugh
is hereby fined $1000 and return of purse. If not appealed the penalty will be $500 fine and
return of purse ($3400) O.S.R.C.-3769-18-01 (A) (1a,4e,10,13,15,16) 3769-18-02 3769-17-
43. The fine and purse must be paid by 7/23/25.
MESSENGER, GARY L MONTICELLO, NY YOB 1954
Wdstk on 5/31/2025 HORSE DISQUALIFIED - PLACED 5, PURSE
REDISTRIBUTION
POSITIVE TEST- POST RACE
Trainer Gary Messenger was the trainer of record on horse SPECTACULAR PLUS in the
3rd race on May 31st, 2025 at Shenandoah Downs. Post-race analysis of blood sample
#E634231 taken from SPECTACULAR PLUS identified the presence of Altrenogest
(Regumate). As a result, Messenger must return all purse monies. Additionally,
SPECTACULAR PLUS is disqualified, finishing first and placed fifth. All purse monies must
be returned within 72 hours of this issuance. 11VAC10-180-60-4. One Multiple Medication
Violation (MMV) point assessed.
MILLER, HANNAH M EDMESTON, NY YOB 1991
MR on 6/16/2025 FINED: $500
FULL - 7 DAYS, 7/29/2025 THRU 8/4/2025
HORSE DISQUALIFIED - PLACED 8, PURSE
REDISTRIBUTION
POSITIVE TEST- POST RACE
Rule 4120.2; 4120.4; 4120.5 On July 1, 2025, the New York Drug Testing and Research
Program reported to the New York State Gaming Commission that post-blood sample
#CV3554942 and post-race urine sample #CV3554951, submitted by the horse LET`S GO
METS, 1st place finisher in race 5 on June 16, 2025, at Monticello Raceway, contained the
presence of Dexamethasone. Pursuant to New York State Gaming Rules 4120.2; 4120.4;
4120.5, Hannah M. Miller, as trainer of record for LET`S GO METS, is hereby fined the sum
of $1,000.00 and suspended for 15 days. Further, LET`S GO METS is declared disqualified
from said race and all purse earnings shall be returned and redistributed to appropriate
finishers and must re-test negative for Dexamethasone prior to being eligible to race.
Having appeared before a representative of the NYSGC on July 8, 2025, and waived the
right to a formal hearing and appeal, the fine is hereby reduced to $500.00, and the
suspension is reduced to 7 days, July 29, 2025, through and including August 4, 2025.
During the term of her suspension, trainer Hannah M. Miller is denied access to all course
and grounds under the jurisdiction of the New York State Gaming Commission.Â
FAS Rulings for Friday, July 18, 2025
NOTABLES:
CLABAUGH, LARRY L MEDINA, OH YOB 1962
Nfld on 5/27/2025 FINED: $500
HORSE DISQUALIFIED - PLACED 10, PURSE
REDISTRIBUTION
POSITIVE TEST- POST RACE
Blood sample #930154 collected at Northfield Park on 5/27/25 from the horse Swartz Bros
Donna was found to contain Flunixin at a concentration of 36.1 +/- 1.5 nanograms per
milliliter of plasma. This exceeds the regulatory Threshold of 20 nanograms per milliliter
adopted by the OSRC. Mr. Clabaugh waived his rights to a split sample, DNA, and a
hearing. This is Mr. Clabaugh`s first medication violation in the last 365 days. Mr. Clabaugh
is hereby fined $1000 and return of purse. If not appealed the penalty will be $500 fine and
return of purse ($3400) O.S.R.C.-3769-18-01 (A) (1a,4e,10,13,15,16) 3769-18-02 3769-17-
43. The fine and purse must be paid by 7/23/25.
MESSENGER, GARY L MONTICELLO, NY YOB 1954
Wdstk on 5/31/2025 HORSE DISQUALIFIED - PLACED 5, PURSE
REDISTRIBUTION
POSITIVE TEST- POST RACE
Trainer Gary Messenger was the trainer of record on horse SPECTACULAR PLUS in the
3rd race on May 31st, 2025 at Shenandoah Downs. Post-race analysis of blood sample
#E634231 taken from SPECTACULAR PLUS identified the presence of Altrenogest
(Regumate). As a result, Messenger must return all purse monies. Additionally,
SPECTACULAR PLUS is disqualified, finishing first and placed fifth. All purse monies must
be returned within 72 hours of this issuance. 11VAC10-180-60-4. One Multiple Medication
Violation (MMV) point assessed.
MILLER, HANNAH M EDMESTON, NY YOB 1991
MR on 6/16/2025 FINED: $500
FULL - 7 DAYS, 7/29/2025 THRU 8/4/2025
HORSE DISQUALIFIED - PLACED 8, PURSE
REDISTRIBUTION
POSITIVE TEST- POST RACE
Rule 4120.2; 4120.4; 4120.5 On July 1, 2025, the New York Drug Testing and Research
Program reported to the New York State Gaming Commission that post-blood sample
#CV3554942 and post-race urine sample #CV3554951, submitted by the horse LET`S GO
METS, 1st place finisher in race 5 on June 16, 2025, at Monticello Raceway, contained the
presence of Dexamethasone. Pursuant to New York State Gaming Rules 4120.2; 4120.4;
4120.5, Hannah M. Miller, as trainer of record for LET`S GO METS, is hereby fined the sum
of $1,000.00 and suspended for 15 days. Further, LET`S GO METS is declared disqualified
from said race and all purse earnings shall be returned and redistributed to appropriate
finishers and must re-test negative for Dexamethasone prior to being eligible to race.
Having appeared before a representative of the NYSGC on July 8, 2025, and waived the
right to a formal hearing and appeal, the fine is hereby reduced to $500.00, and the
suspension is reduced to 7 days, July 29, 2025, through and including August 4, 2025.
During the term of her suspension, trainer Hannah M. Miller is denied access to all course
and grounds under the jurisdiction of the New York State Gaming Commission.Â