Quote from talkinghorse on July 3, 2026, 12:31 PM

FAS Rulings for Friday, July 3, 2026

NOTABLES:

CRISLER, RANDY D

OAKGR on 3/23/2026 POSITIVE TEST- POST RACE CRYSTAL SPRINGS, MS FINED: $1,500 YOB 1981 HORSE DISQUALIFIED - PLACED 9, PURSE REDISTRIBUTION Mr. Randy Crisler was the listed trainer of #1 JK’s Shining Star who was in the 6th race at Oak Grove on 3/23/2026. Sample E620280 collected and sent to Industrial Laboratories confirmed on 4/8/2026 a level of 12.1 ng/mL which is over the allowed 5 ng/mL violating 810 KAR 8:025 Section 2 – 1. Mr. Crisler requested a split sample that was sent to UC Davis on 4/29/2026. Report dated 6/9/2026 for sample E620280 confirmed a level of 14.8 ng/mL over the allowed 5 ng/mL. Having met with the Board of Judges and considering the timing of the races and unknown knowledge of previous overage the Board of Judges to find mitigating circumstances and issue a fine of $1,500 (One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars). Furthermore, #1 JK’s Shining star has been disqualified 1st placed 9th and the purse of $5,500 (Five Thousand Five Hundred Dollars) has been ordered to be returned and redistributed.

 

KASH, KEITH J JR

Nfld on 6/22/2026 MEDINA, OH FINED: $1,000 YOB 1979 FULL - 180 DAYS, 7/2/2026 THRU 12/28/2026 APPEALED - 7/1/2026 POSSESSION OF HYPODERMIC NEEDLES, SYRINGES AND/OR INJECTABLE AND/OR OTHER DRUGS On June 22, 2026, a search of Barn D was conducted at Northfield Park. During this search, three needles attached to syringes were found in the tack room assigned to trainer Keith Kash, Jr. Mr. Kash, Jr, represented by his attorney, had a hearing with the judges at Northfield Park on June 28, 2026. After considering all testimony and evidence he is hereby fined $1,000, suspended for 365 days, and referred to the commission for further action. (First offense in the last 365 days). If this ruling is not appealed, the penalty will be reduced to $1,000 fine and 180-day suspension (with the remaining 185 days stayed, pending no further violations in the next 365 days). This is an action that is against the best interests of racing. O.S.R.C.3769-18-07(A); 3769-2-26(A)(4),(10); 3769-2-99; 3769-17-30(B); 17-33(A) Mr. Kash, Jr is barred from all grounds governed by the OSRC during his suspension. Any horses under his care that he wants to transfer to another owner or trainer must be approved by the judges in the state of Ohio. The fine must be paid by July 9, 2026. Mr. Kash, Jr has 48 hours to appeal this ruling.

Status as of 7/1/2026 - Appeal - Mr. Kash Jr appealed this ruling in a timely manner.

 

MERRIMAN, KERRY A

Nfld on 6/22/2026 STOW, OH FINED: $1,000 YOB 1980 FULL - 180 DAYS, 7/2/2026 THRU 12/28/2026 POSSESSION OF HYPODERMIC NEEDLES, SYRINGES AND/OR INJECTABLE AND/OR OTHER DRUGS On June 22, 2026 a search of Barn D was conducted at Northfield Park. During this search, a Catheter Needle was found in the tack room assigned to trainer Kerry Merriman. Ms. Merriman had a hearing with the judges at Northfield Park on 6/24/26. After considering all testimony and evidence she is hereby fined $1000 and suspended 365 days (First offense in the last 365 days). If this ruling is not appealed, the penalty will be reduced to $1000 and 180 days(with the remaining 185 days stayed pending no further violations in the next 365 days). Further penalties may be imparted by the OSRC. This is an action that is against the best interest of racing. O.S.R.C-3769-18-07(A)3769-2-26(A)(10)3769-2-99 17-30(B)1733(A) Ms. Merriman is barred from all grounds governed by the OSRC during her suspension. Any horses under her care that she wants to transfer to another owner or trainer must be approved by the judges in the state of Ohio. The fine must be paid by 7/8/26.

 

WILSON, MATTHEW

OAKGR on 6/19/2026 BRANDON, MS FINED: $1,000 YOB 1999 FULL - 365 DAYS, 7/1/2026 THRU 6/30/2027 CONDUCT DETRIMENTAL TO THE BEST INTEREST OF HORSE RACING Mr. Matthew Wilson and his legal counsel appeared before the Board of Judges on 6/29/2026 at 10:30 AM. After hearing testimony and presented with evidence the Board of Judges do find that Mr. Wilson violated 810 KAR 3:020 Section 15 – 1 – Q by engaging in conduct detrimental to horse racing. Specifically, the Board of Judges found that Mr. Wilson was under the direction and control of an individual deemed ineligible to obtain a license by the KHRG. Additionally, Mr. Wilson made false statements during investigative proceedings and interviews jeopardizing the integrity of racing at tracks under the jurisdiction of KHRG. Mr. Wilson is hereby suspended 365 (Three Hundred Sixty-Five) Days and issued a $1,000 (One Thousand) Dollar Fine. During his suspension Matthew M. Wilson is denied the privileges of all facilities under the jurisdiction of the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation. Entry of all horses owned or trained by Matthew M. Wilson is denied pending transfer to persons acceptable to KHRG judges. Mr. Wilson is required to appear before the License Review Committee of the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation for any future license consideration.

Quote from talkinghorse on July 10, 2026, 12:11 PM

FAS Rulings for Friday, July 10, 2026

NOTABLES:

CZERNYSON, JONAS M

OAKGR on 6/9/2026 POSITIVE TEST- POST RACE VERO BEACH, FL FINED: $2,000 YOB 1973 FULL - 10 DAYS, 7/16/2026 THRU 7/25/2026 HORSE DISQUALIFIED - PLACED 9, PURSE REDISTRIBUTION Mr. Jonas Czernyson was the listed trainer of #4 Chosen Prayer who was in the 5th race at Oak Grove on 6/9/2026. Sample E695915 that was sent to Industrial Laboratories confirmed in the blood Fluphenazine which is a violation of 810 KAR 8:020 Section 1 – 3 – B. Mr. Jonas Czernyson waived his right to a split sample and requested a hearing before the Board of Judges. After hearing testimony and presented with evidence of compliance by the attending veterinarian the Board of Judges, considering mitigating circumstances, herby issue the following ruling. Mr. Czernyson is issued a $2,000 (Two Thousand) Dollar Fine and a 10 (Ten) Day Full Suspension from 7/16/2026 through 7/25/2026. #4 Chosen Prayer is hereby 1st DQ placed 9th and the purse of $7,000 (Seven Thousand) Dollars is ordered to be returned and redistributed. During his suspension Mr. Jonas Czernyson is denied the privileges of all facilities under the jurisdiction of the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation. Entry of all horses owned or trained by Mr. Czernyson is denied pending transfer to persons acceptable to KHRG judges.

 

EUBANK, WAYLON H LANCASTER, OH YOB 1997

ScD on 6/9/2026 FINED: $1,000 FULL - 15 DAYS, 7/10/2026 THRU 7/24/2026 HORSE DISQUALIFIED - PLACED 9, PURSE REDISTRIBUTION POSITIVE TEST- POST RACE OSRC 3769-18-01-A(1,4d, 10,13,15,16), 3769-18-02, 3769-17-43, 3769-30-B. Blood sample #T01074 was tested by the Eqias Labs and was found to contain TCO2, a Class 3, Penalty B offense, at a concentration of 41.3 mmol/L, which exceeds the regulatory threshold of 37 mmol/L, adopted by the OSRC. Blood sample #T01074 was provided by #3 Hecandancencruise, who finished 1st in race 5 on 6/9/26 at Scioto Downs and was trained by Mr. Eubank. Mr. Eubank waived his rights to a hearing. This is Mr. Eubank`s first medication violation in the last 365 days. #3 is disqualified and placed 9th. Mr Eubank is fined $1000, and given a 30 day full suspension, and the purse earnings of $3500 is to be returned to Scioto Downs, the penalty will be reduced to a $1000 fine, a 15 day full suspension (7/10/26-7/24/26) and return of purse earnings of $3500 to be redistributed accordingly, if not appealed. The purse earnings and fine are due within 10 days of this ruling. During his suspension, Mr. Eubank is denied the use and privileges of all grounds sanctioned by the OSRC. All horses owned and/or trained by Mr. Eubank may only be transferred by the Judges in Ohio. Mr. Eubank has 48 hours to appeal this decision to the OSRC.

 

JOHNSON, OSCAR LEE JR.

Nfld on 5/20/2026 CRYSTAL SPRINGS, MS FINED: $250 FALSIFICATION OF LICENSE APPLICATION YOB 1990 Mr. Johnson Jr falsified his 2026 license application by failing to list his prior suspension. Mr. Johnson Jr waived his right to a hearing and is hereby fined $500. The penalty will be reduced to a fine of $250 if not appealed. O.S.R.C. 3769-2-26(A)(7) The fine has been paid.

Nfld on 6/10/2026 FINED: $1,000 FULL - 30 DAYS, 7/9/2026 THRU 8/7/2026 HORSE DISQUALIFIED - PLACED 9, PURSE REDISTRIBUTION POSITIVE TEST- POST RACE Blood sample #01859 collected at Northfield Park on 6/10/26 from the horse Fox Valley Jessie showed the TCO2 concentration to be 41 millimoles per liter of serum. This exceeds the regulatory threshold of 37.0 millimoles per liter adopted by the OSRC. This is Mr. Johnson, Jr`s second medication violation within the last 365 days. Mr. Johnson, Jr waived his right to a hearing and is hereby fined $1000 and suspended for 60 days and return of purse for redistribution ($2750.00). If this ruling is not appealed, the penalty will be reduced to $1000 fine and a 30 days suspension (with the remaining 30 days stayed pending no further violations in the next 365days). Aggravating circumstances were considered in this ruling. O.S.R.C.-3769-18-01-A(1,10,13,15,16) 3769-18-02, 3769-17-43. During his suspension Mr. Johnson Jr is barred from all grounds governed by the OSRC. Any horses under his care that he wants to transfer to another owner or trainer must be approved by the judges in the state of Ohio. The fine has been paid.

 

MAIER, TIMOTHY A

ScD on 6/3/2026 POSITIVE TEST- POST RACE LEBANON, OH FINED: $500 YOB 1953 HORSE DISQUALIFIED - PLACED 9, PURSE REDISTRIBUTION OSRC 3769-18-01-A(1,10,13,15,16), 3769-18-02, 3769-17-43. Blood sample #B01016 was tested by Eqias Labs and was found to contain Flunixin, a Class 4 drug, at a concentration of 305.5 ng/mL, which exceeds the Regulatory threshold of 20 ng/mL, adopted by the OSRC. Blood sample #B01016 was provided by #6 Oh Mickey, who finished 1st in race 9 on 6/3/26 at Scioto Downs, and was trained by Mr. Maier. Mr. Maier waived his rights to a hearing, split sample and DNA. This is Mr. Maier`s first medication violation in the last 365 days. #6 is disqualified and placed 9th. Mr. Maier is fined $1000, the penalty will be reduced to $500 if not appealed, which is due within 10 days of this ruling. The purse earnings of $5250 is ordered to be returned to Scioto Downs within 10 days of this ruling, to be redistributed accordingly. Mr. Maier has 48 hours to appeal this decision to the OSRC.

 

MILLER, JACOB H

ScD on 6/4/2026 POSITIVE TEST- POST RACE SALESVILLE, OH FINED: $1,000 YOB 1982 HORSE DISQUALIFIED - PLACED 8, PURSE REDISTRIBUTION OSRC 3769-18-01-A(1,10,13,15,16), 3769-18-02, 3769-17-43. Blood sample #B01023 was tested by the Eqias Labs and was found to contain Flunixin, a Class 4 drug at a concentration of84ng/mL, which exceeds the Regulatory threshold of 20 ng/mL adopted by the OSRC. Blood sample #B01023was provided by #5 Tiny Tom who finished 1st in race 1 on 6/4/26 at Scioto Downs, and was trained by Mr. Miller. Mr. Miller waived his rights to a hearing, a split sample and DNA. This is Mr. Miller`s 2nd medication violation in the last 365 days. Mr. Miller is fined $1000 and given a 10 day full suspension, the penalty will be reduced to a $1000 fine if not appealed, which is due within 10 days of this ruling. The purse earnings of $6750 are to be returned to Scioto Downs within 10 days of this ruling to be redistributed accordingly. During his suspension, Mr. Miller is denied the use and privileges of all grounds sanctioned by the OSRC. All horses owned and/or trained by Mr. Miller may only be transferred by permission of the Judges in Ohio. Mr. Miller has 48 hours to appeal this decision to the OSRC.

 

SCHNEIDER, QUENTIN G

Aces on 6/14/2026 POSITIVE TEST- POST RACE SACRAMENTO, CA FINED: $500 YOB 1972 FULL - 15 DAYS, 7/2/2026 THRU 7/16/2026 HORSE DISQUALIFIED, PURSE REDISTRIBUTION On June 14th, 2026 in the first race at Running Aces, Mr. Schneider was the trainer of record for the horse TOO MUCH who finished 3rd and was sent to the test barn. After Sample #E-714328 was sent to Industrial Laboratories a confirmation of the drug Higenamine was detected in the urine which is a violation of MN Rule 7890.0100 Subp 13a. TOO MUCH is hereby disqualified from third place and placed last. Quentin Schneider waived his right for a split sample and did sign the Waiver of Hearing with the Judges. All fines are due within 120 hours of this ruling. Trainer Quentin Schneider is hereby fined five hundred ($500.00) dollars, given a 15-day full suspension from Thursday July 2, 2026 through Thursday July 16th, 2026 and ordered to return the purse of five hundred seventysix ($576.00) dollars for this violation.

 

SHORT, RONALD E

Har on 6/16/2026 POSITIVE TEST- POST RACE GREENWOOD, DE FINED: $1,000 YOB 1978 On June 16 Big Mama`s Bet was a post race special, Blood and Urine were sent to Industrial Labs by DHRC Chief Veterinarian. Industrial Labs confirmed sample E677357 contained Flunixin in the blood at 11. ng/ml. The measurement of uncertainty of the method is 0.57 ng/ml at the threshold of 5 ng/ml. Per DHRC rules 5.3.2, 8.3, 8.3.2.4 Trainer Ronal Short is issued a $1000 fine and all purse money must be returned and redistributed. Per DHRC rule 10.2.7.6 all fines and purse money are to be paid within 10 days of this ruling. The total to be returned is $1960.00

 

VAFIADES, KIMBERLY A

CUMB on 5/30/2026 POSITIVE TEST- POST RACE SIDNEY, ME FINED: $500 YOB 1967 HORSE DISQUALIFIED - PLACED 4, PURSE REDISTRIBUTION Kimberly Vafiades was the trainer of record for her horse SOCIETY JILL, who raced at First Tracks Cumberland on 5/30/26 in race # 10. A blood sample was taken following the race and disclosed an elevated level of methocarbamol at 1.49 ng/mL of serum. This is a violation of the MSHRC ch.11.Society Jill finished 1st and was disqualified and placed 4th. Ms. Vafiades has agreed to enter into a consent agreement, therefore, she has been ordered to return the purse winnings of $ 2,200.00 for redistribution and pay a $ 500.00 fine for this infraction.

Quote from talkinghorse on July 17, 2026, 11:16 AM

FAS Rulings for Friday, July 17, 2026

NOTABLES:

BURTON, LESLIE

OAKGR on 4/7/2026 POSITIVE TEST- POST RACE SPRINGFIELD, KY FINED: $5,000 YOB 1962 FULL - 180 DAYS, 7/22/2026 THRU 1/17/2027 HORSE DISQUALIFIED - PLACED 9, PURSE REDISTRIBUTION Mr. Leslie Burton is the listed trainer of #8 Giganthor who was in the 5th race at Oak Grove on 4/7/2026 and subject to post race testing. Sample E620379 that was sent to Industrial Laboratories confirmed on 5/4/2026 Suzetrigine in the blood which is listed as a Class A medication under ARCI guidelines, violating 810 KAR 8:020 Section 1 – 2 – B. Mr. Burton requested a split sample, that was sent on 5/27/2026 to EQIAS Labs. Their report dated 6/17/2026 confirmed Suzetrigine in the blood. In the absence of substantial evidence to the contrary, a trainer shall be responsible for the presence of a prohibited drug, medication, substance, or metabolic derivative, including permitted medication in excess of the maximum allowable concentration, in a horse in his care as stated in 810 KAR 8:010 Section 16 – 2. After a hearing before the Board of Judges on 7/8/2026, and considering all the evidence and testimony, the Board of Judges do find that Mr. Burton has violated 810 KAR Chapter 8. Mr. Burton is fined $10,000 (Ten Thousand Dollars) and issued a Suspension for 365 Days from 7/22/2026 through 7/21/2027. However, considering mitigating circumstances, the Board of Judges do hold $5,000 (Five Thousand) Dollars and 185 (One Hundred Eighty-Five) Days in abeyance if no further medication violations of Class A, B, or C occur within the date range of 1/18/2027 through 7/21/2027. If a medication violation occurs within these dates, any penalty issued will include the fine and days held in abeyance. Furthermore, #8 Giganthor is disqualified and placed 9th and the purse of $3,500 (Three Thousand Five Hundred Dollars) is ordered to be returned and redistributed. During the first 180 days of his suspension, Mr. Leslie Burton is denied the privileges of all facilities under the jurisdiction of the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation. Entry of all horses owned or trained by Mr. Burton is denied pending transfer to persons acceptable to KHRG judges.

 

HOCHSTETLER, JOHN I

Nfld on 7/8/2026 DOVER, OH FINED: $1,000 YOB 1947 FULL - 180 DAYS, 7/15/2026 THRU 1/10/2027 APPEALED - 7/13/2026 POSSESSION OF HYPODERMIC NEEDLES, SYRINGES AND/OR INJECTABLE AND/OR OTHER DRUGS On July 08,2026 a search was conducted of the truck/trailer of John I and John L Hochstetler. During this search the investigator located a small cardboard box behind the drivers seat of the truck, it contained a needle, a needle with a syringe and an injectable bottle of SALIX. Mr. Hochstetler had a hearing with the judges at Northfield Park on 7/8/26. After considering all testimony and evidence he is hereby fined $1000 and suspended 365 days, and referred to the commission for further action. (First offense in the last 365 days). If this ruling is not appealed, the penalty will be reduced to $1000 fine and 180-day suspension (with the remaining 185 days stayed pending no further violations in the next 365 days). This is an action that is against the best interest of racing. O.S.R.C.-3769-1807(A); 3769-2-26(A)(4),(10); 3769-2-99; 3769-17-30(B); 17-33(A) Mr. Hochstetler is barred from all grounds governed by the OSRC during his suspension. Any horses under his care that he wants to transfer to another owner or trainer must be approved by the judges in the state of Ohio. The fine must be paid by July 21, 2026. Mr. Hochstetler has 48 hours to appeal this ruling.

Status as of 7/13/2026 - Appeal - Mr. Hochstetler appealed this ruling in a timely manner.

 

TIRELLA, CARL

M on 3/7/2026 PAWLING, NY FINED: $5,000 YOB 1954 FULL - 365 DAYS, 8/1/2026 THRU 7/31/2027 POSITIVE TEST- POST RACE Carl Tirella was the programmed trainer of the horse "SEEUINNASHVILLE A" when he raced in the fourteenth race at Meadowlands Racetrack on March 7, 2026. Following the race, "SEEUINNASHVILLE A" was required to submit blood and urine for analysis. A report from Industrial Laboratories identified the presence of Oxymorphone in the urine. At Mr. Tirella`s request, split sample testing was performed at an independent laboratory. These testing results did confirm the presence of Oxymorphone. This is in direct violation of the rules and regulations of the New Jersey Racing Commission. Mr. Tirella appeared at a hearing before the Board of Judges at the Meadowlands Racetrack on June 3, 2026. As a result, Mr. Tirella is hereby issued a full suspension of his New Jersey Racing Commission license for a period of three hundred sixty-five days (365) and is fined the sum of five thousand ($5,000.00) dollars. Said suspension shall begin on August 1, 2026 and run through July 31, 2027 inclusive. During the period of suspension, Mr. Tirella is denied access to all grounds that are under the jurisdiction of the New Jersey Racing Commission. Consistent with N.J.A.C. 13:71-23.7, the horse "SEEUINNASHVILLE A" is disqualified from sharing in all purse monies earned on May 7, 2026. The fine associated with this ruling must be received by the New Jersey Racing Commission on or before July 31, 2027. MMV Points incurred 6 points Violation of N.J.A.C. 13:71-23.1 (a) (b) 14 Violation of N.J.A.C. 13:71-23.6 (a) (b) (c) (d) Violation of N.J.A.C. 13:71-23.7 (a) (b) (c) (d)

Quote from talkinghorse on July 24, 2026, 11:27 AM

FAS Rulings for Friday, July 24, 2026

NOTABLES:

BURTON, LESLIE

OAKGR on 4/7/2026 POSITIVE TEST- POST RACE SPRINGFIELD, KY FINED: $5,000...STAYED FULL - 180 DAYS, 7/22/2026 THRU 1/17/2027...STAYED YOB 1962 HORSE DISQUALIFIED - PLACED 9, PURSE REDISTRIBUTION...STAYED Mr. Leslie Burton is the listed trainer of #8 Giganthor who was in the 5th race at Oak Grove on 4/7/2026 and subject to post race testing. Sample E620379 that was sent to Industrial Laboratories confirmed on 5/4/2026 Suzetrigine in the blood which is listed as a Class A medication under ARCI guidelines, violating 810 KAR 8:020 Section 1 – 2 – B. Mr. Burton requested a split sample, that was sent on 5/27/2026 to EQIAS Labs. Their report dated 6/17/2026 confirmed Suzetrigine in the blood. In the absence of substantial evidence to the contrary, a trainer shall be responsible for the presence of a prohibited drug, medication, substance, or metabolic derivative, including permitted medication in excess of the maximum allowable concentration, in a horse in his care as stated in 810 KAR 8:010 Section 16 – 2. After a hearing before the Board of Judges on 7/8/2026, and considering all the evidence and testimony, the Board of Judges do find that Mr. Burton has violated 810 KAR Chapter 8. Mr. Burton is fined $10,000 (Ten Thousand Dollars) and issued a Suspension for 365 Days from 7/22/2026 through 7/21/2027. However, considering mitigating circumstances, the Board of Judges do hold $5,000 (Five Thousand) Dollars and 185 (One Hundred Eighty-Five) Days in abeyance if no further medication violations of Class A, B, or C occur within the date range of 1/18/2027 through 7/21/2027. If a medication violation occurs within these dates, any penalty issued will include the fine and days held in abeyance. Furthermore, #8 Giganthor is disqualified and placed 9th and the purse of $3,500 (Three Thousand Five Hundred Dollars) is ordered to be returned and redistributed. During the first 180 days of his suspension, Mr. Leslie Burton is denied the privileges of all facilities under the jurisdiction of the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation. Entry of all horses owned or trained by Mr. Burton is denied pending transfer to persons acceptable to KHRG judges. Status as of 7/20/2026 - Stay - Pursuant to KRS 230.320 (2) (d), Mr. Burton has been granted a stay by the President and CEO of the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation.

 

CAPRON, MICHAEL C

OD on 7/22/2026 NEW EGYPT, NJ YOB 1960 INDEFINITE SUSPENSION(IND) AS OF 7/22/2026 REFUSAL TO SUBMIT TO URINE TEST Maryland Racing Commission licensee Michael Capron is hereby summarily suspended, effective July 22, 2026, pending a Judges` administrative hearing pursuant to COMAR 09.10.02.41C. Mr. Capron shall remain under summary suspension until the administrative hearing has been conducted and the Judges have issued a penalty.