PSA: [Trainers] Fines and Suspensions
Quote from talkinghorse on October 23, 2026, 10:05 AMFAS Rulings for Friday, October 23, 2026
NOTABLES:
MILLER, KARA R
ScD on 7/18/2026 POSITIVE TEST- POST RACE DUNDEE, OH FINED: $1,000 YOB 2004 FULL - 45 DAYS, 10/27/2026 THRU 12/10/2026 HORSE DISQUALIFIED - PLACED 9, PURSE REDISTRIBUTION OSRC 3769-18-01-A(1,10,13,15,16), 3769-18-02, 3769-17-43, 3769-17-30-B. Blood sample #943436 was tested by the Ohio Department of Agriculture ATL and was found to contain 7-Carboxycannabidiol, a Class 2, Penalty B drug. Blood sample #943436 was provided by #2 Nonna`s Moni, who finished 1st in race 17 on 7/18/26 at Scioto Downs, and was trained by Ms. Miller. Ms. Miller requested a split sample that was confirmed. Ms. Miller then waived her rights to a hearing. This is Ms. Miller`s 2nd medication violation in the last 365 days. #2 is disqualified and placed 9th and the purse earnings of $7500 are to be returned to Scioto Downs within 10 days to be redistributed accordingly. Ms. Miller is fined $1000 and given a 75 day full suspension which includes 15 days that were stayed in ruling 26NFLD-235, the penalty will be reduced to a $1000 fine and a 45 day full suspension (10/27/26-12/10/26), which also includes the 15 days that were stayed in her first medication violation in ruling 26NFLD-235, if not appealed. The fine is to be paid within 10 days of this ruling to the OSRC. During her suspension, Ms. Miller is denied the use and privileges of all the grounds sanctioned by the OSRC. All horses owned and/or trained by Ms. Miller may only be transferred with permission of the Judges in Ohio or the OSRC. Ms. Miller has 48 hours to appeal this decision to the OSRC.
SODANO, JUSTIN M
PHL on 7/28/2026 POSITIVE TEST- POST RACE CHESTERFIELD, NJ FINED: $500 HORSE DISQUALIFIED - PLACED 3 YOB 1996 PA CODE TITLE 7-203.22(a) 401.41(a)(b) 401.45 Justin Sodano was the trainer of record for GOLD GLOVE HANOVER, In the 13th qualifying race on July 28th, 2026 At Harrah`s Philadelphia Racetrack. Blood samples taken from GOLD GLOVE HANOVER (post race) were tested and found to contain Flunixin at a level of (32.53 +/- 2.49 ng/mL). As the trainer, Mr. Sodano is responsible for the positive test. GOLD GLOVE HANOVER finished first and has been disqualified and placed third. Mr. Sodano is issued a $500 fine which must be paid within 10 days of this ruling and has waived his hearing/appeal rights.
FAS Rulings for Friday, October 23, 2026
NOTABLES:
MILLER, KARA R
ScD on 7/18/2026 POSITIVE TEST- POST RACE DUNDEE, OH FINED: $1,000 YOB 2004 FULL - 45 DAYS, 10/27/2026 THRU 12/10/2026 HORSE DISQUALIFIED - PLACED 9, PURSE REDISTRIBUTION OSRC 3769-18-01-A(1,10,13,15,16), 3769-18-02, 3769-17-43, 3769-17-30-B. Blood sample #943436 was tested by the Ohio Department of Agriculture ATL and was found to contain 7-Carboxycannabidiol, a Class 2, Penalty B drug. Blood sample #943436 was provided by #2 Nonna`s Moni, who finished 1st in race 17 on 7/18/26 at Scioto Downs, and was trained by Ms. Miller. Ms. Miller requested a split sample that was confirmed. Ms. Miller then waived her rights to a hearing. This is Ms. Miller`s 2nd medication violation in the last 365 days. #2 is disqualified and placed 9th and the purse earnings of $7500 are to be returned to Scioto Downs within 10 days to be redistributed accordingly. Ms. Miller is fined $1000 and given a 75 day full suspension which includes 15 days that were stayed in ruling 26NFLD-235, the penalty will be reduced to a $1000 fine and a 45 day full suspension (10/27/26-12/10/26), which also includes the 15 days that were stayed in her first medication violation in ruling 26NFLD-235, if not appealed. The fine is to be paid within 10 days of this ruling to the OSRC. During her suspension, Ms. Miller is denied the use and privileges of all the grounds sanctioned by the OSRC. All horses owned and/or trained by Ms. Miller may only be transferred with permission of the Judges in Ohio or the OSRC. Ms. Miller has 48 hours to appeal this decision to the OSRC.
SODANO, JUSTIN M
PHL on 7/28/2026 POSITIVE TEST- POST RACE CHESTERFIELD, NJ FINED: $500 HORSE DISQUALIFIED - PLACED 3 YOB 1996 PA CODE TITLE 7-203.22(a) 401.41(a)(b) 401.45 Justin Sodano was the trainer of record for GOLD GLOVE HANOVER, In the 13th qualifying race on July 28th, 2026 At Harrah`s Philadelphia Racetrack. Blood samples taken from GOLD GLOVE HANOVER (post race) were tested and found to contain Flunixin at a level of (32.53 +/- 2.49 ng/mL). As the trainer, Mr. Sodano is responsible for the positive test. GOLD GLOVE HANOVER finished first and has been disqualified and placed third. Mr. Sodano is issued a $500 fine which must be paid within 10 days of this ruling and has waived his hearing/appeal rights.
Quote from talkinghorse on October 30, 2026, 10:17 AMFAS Rulings for Friday, October 30, 2026
NOTABLES:
AUSTIN, MICHAEL DALE
M on 6/26/2026 POSITIVE TEST- POST RACE PINE BUSH, NY FINED: $5,000 YOB 1964 FULL - 365 DAYS, 11/1/2026 THRU 10/31/2027 HORSE DISQUALIFIED, PURSE REDISTRIBUTION Michael Austin was the programmed trainer of the horse "FREDS FINALE" when he raced in the sixth race at the Meadowlands Racetrack on June 26, 2026. Following the race, "FREDS FINALE" was required to submit blood and urine for analysis. A report from Industrial Laboratories identified the presence of Oxymorphone in the urine. Mr. Austin was offered the opportunity to have the split sample tested at an independent laboratory and declined. The presence of Oxymorphone in a horse racing at the Meadowlands is in direct violation of the rules and regulations of the New Jersey Racing Commission. Mr. Austin appeared at a hearing before the Board of Judges at the Meadowlands Racetrack on September 14, 2026. As a result, Mr. Austin 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 November 1, 2026 and run through October 31, 2027 inclusive. During the period of suspension, Mr. Austin 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 "FREDS FINALE" is disqualified from sharing in all purse monies earned on June 26, 2026. The fine associated with this ruling must be received by the New Jersey Racing Commission on or before October 31, 2027. MMV Points incurred 6 points Violation of N.J.A.C. 13:71-1.19 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)
BROWER, BURLIN W
CBRN on 4/7/2026 KEVIL, KY FINED: $10,000 YOB 1971 FULL - 379 DAYS, 11/11/2026 THRU 11/24/2027 CONDUCT DETRIMENTAL TO THE BEST INTEREST OF HORSE RACING After appearing before the Board of Judges on 10/19/2026 and hearing all testimony under oath and reviewing all evidence, the Board of Judges do find that Mr. Burlin Brower did violate the following rules and regulations. 1. (810 KAR 3:020 Section 15 – 1 – M) – Mr. Brower failed to disclose to the corporation complete ownership or beneficial interest in a horse entered to be raced in the Commonwealth of Kentucky while a horse was owned by an inactive person. 2. (810 KAR 3:020 Section 15 – 1 – Q) – Mr. Brower engaged in conduct that is against the best interest of horse racing in the Commonwealth of Kentucky by allowing an inactive person to care for and pay bills for horses racing in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. 3. (810 KAR 3:020 Section 15 – 1 – HH) – Mr. Brower knowingly aided and abetted an inactive person in violation of KRS Chapter 230, KAR Title 810, and other statutes and administrative regulations pertaining to horse racing by allowing an inactive person to have financial gain from horses racing in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. 4. (810 KAR 8:030 Section 7 – 3 – C) – Mr. Brower did give remuneration and other compensation to an inactive person that was otherwise unable to participate in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The Board of Judges hereby issue Mr. Brower the following penalties; Ten Thousand ($10,000) Dollar Fine and a Full Suspension of Three Hundred Seventy-Nine (379) Days from 11/11/2026 through 11/24/2027. Mr. Brower is denied all privileges and access to all association grounds under the jurisdiction of the Kentucky Horse Racing & Gaming Corporation during this period of suspension. All horses owned and/or trained by Mr. Brower are not permitted to be transferred without the prior approval of the Board of Judges of the KHRG.
BUSH, STEVEN B
Mea on 8/5/2026 POSITIVE TEST- POST RACE BRIDGEVILLE, PA FINED: $750 YOB 1967 HORSE DISQUALIFIED - PLACED 9, PURSE REDISTRIBUTION PA Code Title 7: 203.22(a) 203.22(b) 401.2(a)(1) 401.2(a)(3)(ii) 401.3(a) 401.3(b) 401.45 401.41(e)(10) Mr. Bush was the trainer of the horse EDINBURGH HANOVER that raced in The Meadows` fourth race on August 5, 2026. Blood samples drawn (post-race) from EDINBURGH HANOVER were tested and found to contain the therapeutic drug Flunixin at a level above the allowable level set by the Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission. As the trainer, Mr. Bush is responsible for this positive test. Mr. Bush is fined $750 (fine has been paid). EDINBURGH HANOVER finished first and is now disqualified. Purse money earned by EDINBURGH HANOVER must be returned within ten days of this ruling. Mitigating factors were considered in determining this penalty. Mr. Bush has waived his hearing/appeal rights.
GRIFFITH, SHANE M
DD on 10/20/2026 HOUSTON, DE YOB 2006 FULL - INDEFINITELY AS OF 10/26/2026 CONDUCT DETRIMENTAL TO THE BEST INTEREST OF HORSE RACING Per DHRC rule 3.2.3 Disciplinary Actions and 3.2.3.1 alleged misconduct, Cruelty to a horse. Shane Griffith is indefinitely suspended until the investigation is completed. Shane Griffith did appeal the DHRC Judges ruling. A hearing was held in the judges office at Ballys Dover Downs on Oct 26 at 12;00 pm. On Oct 21, 2026 the judges were informed by DHRC investigator Handley Orr of written statements from witness’s describing what they had seen Shane Griffith do to a young horse at Dovington training center located in Felton, De. The judges immediately prepared a notice of hearing to be presented to Shane Griffith, the notice of hearing was placed with the paddock judge at Harrington Raceway at 4pm on Oct 21, 2026. The last day of racing of the Harrington meet. Shane Griffith was scheduled to drive in the 4th race this day. Someone informed Shane Griffith that he was taken off the drive and was being summarily suspended. Shane Griffith did not arrive to the paddock on Oct 21, 2026.Efforts to contact Shane Griffith that evening were not successful. On Oct 22 , 2026 Shene Griffith called Judge Corey at his home at 8;20 am. Judge Corey informed Shane Griffith of the charges and that a hearing was set for Oct26, 2026 at 12;00 pm in the judges office at Dover Downs, this was the earliest date and time the judges could hold the hearing due to the judges office being moved from Harrington Raceway to Ballys Dover Downs, to be ready for the start of the Ballys Dover Downs meet. This is an ongoing investigation. Shane Griffith was suspended indefinitely based on the evidence that was presented. The DHRC board of judges, aided by DHRC investigator Handley Orr, were convinced that it is in the best interest of racing and for the protection of the well being of the horses that Shane Griffith could come in contact with. DHRC rules 2.1 , 2.1.2 , 5.1.27.7, 5.1.16, 5.1.16.1
HERSHBERGER, LEVI E
Nfld on 9/12/2026 POSITIVE TEST- POST RACE NORTH LAWERENCE, OH FINED: $500 YOB 1985 HORSE DISQUALIFIED - PLACED 9, PURSE REDISTRIBUTION Blood sample #942812 collected at Northfield Park on 9/12/26 from the horse Sumbadgirl was found to contain Dexamethasone at a concentration of 14+/-1 picograms per milliliter of plasma. This exceeds the Regulatory Threshold of 5 picograms per milliliter of plasma adopted by the OSRC. Mr. Hershberger waived his rights to a split sample, DNA, and a hearing. This is Mr. Hershberger`s first medication violation in the last 365 days. Mr. Hershberger is hereby fined $1,000 and return of purse ($4,600) if not appealed the penalty will be reduced to a $500 fine and return of purse. O.S.R.C.-3769-1801(A)(1,10,13,15,16)3769-18-02 3769-17-43. The fine and purse must be paid by 11/1/26.
JOHNSON, BRENDAN
CBRN on 10/19/2026 GEORGETOWN, KY FINED: $500 CONDUCT DETRIMENTAL TO THE BEST INTEREST OF HORSE RACING YOB 1965 After appearing before the Board of Judges on 10/24/2026 in the Judges Office at Cumberland Run at Corbin, the Board of Judges find that on 10/19/2026 Mr. Brendan Johnson did permit and allow an underage family member to be actively working with horses in the paddock while on association grounds at Cumberland Run, violating 810 KAR 3:020 Section 15 – 1 – HH & 810 KAR 3:020 Section 15 – 1 – II, while using a license badge of another family member. This action is deemed detrimental conduct to the best interest of racing, violating 810 KAR 3:020 Section 15 – 1 – Q. Due to aggravating circumstances regarding prior rulings concerning the same issues, Mr. Johnson has been issued a Five Hundred ($500) Dollar Fine and a Thirty (30) Day Full Suspension, that will be held in abeyance if no further violations occur in the next 365 days.
MAXWELL, PRAVI
Lex on 9/15/2026 POSITIVE TEST- POST RACE MACON, MS FINED: $1,000 YOB 1977 HORSE DISQUALIFIED - PLACED 10, PURSE REDISTRIBUTION Mr. Pravi Maxwell was the listed trainer of #2 Miss Sunshine Lady who was in the 13th race at The Red Mile on 9/15/2026. Post race testing of sample #E706009 that was sent to Industrial Laboratories confirmed Dexamethasone in the blood, which is a violation of 810 KAR 8:025. Mr. Maxwell failed to respond to the Report Of Positive Medication Violation form that was sent to him on 10/6/2026 with a due date of end of business on 10/9/2026, hence waving his right to a split sample for not answering in a timely manner. After appearing before the Board of Judges of the KHRG by phone on 10/25/2026, Mr. Maxwell is hereby issued a Fine of One Thousand ($1000) Dollars, and #2 Miss Sunshine Lady is hereby disqualified and is placed 10th, and the purse of Three Thousand One Hundred ($3,100) Dollars is ordered to be returned and redistributed.
FAS Rulings for Friday, October 30, 2026
NOTABLES:
AUSTIN, MICHAEL DALE
M on 6/26/2026 POSITIVE TEST- POST RACE PINE BUSH, NY FINED: $5,000 YOB 1964 FULL - 365 DAYS, 11/1/2026 THRU 10/31/2027 HORSE DISQUALIFIED, PURSE REDISTRIBUTION Michael Austin was the programmed trainer of the horse "FREDS FINALE" when he raced in the sixth race at the Meadowlands Racetrack on June 26, 2026. Following the race, "FREDS FINALE" was required to submit blood and urine for analysis. A report from Industrial Laboratories identified the presence of Oxymorphone in the urine. Mr. Austin was offered the opportunity to have the split sample tested at an independent laboratory and declined. The presence of Oxymorphone in a horse racing at the Meadowlands is in direct violation of the rules and regulations of the New Jersey Racing Commission. Mr. Austin appeared at a hearing before the Board of Judges at the Meadowlands Racetrack on September 14, 2026. As a result, Mr. Austin 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 November 1, 2026 and run through October 31, 2027 inclusive. During the period of suspension, Mr. Austin 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 "FREDS FINALE" is disqualified from sharing in all purse monies earned on June 26, 2026. The fine associated with this ruling must be received by the New Jersey Racing Commission on or before October 31, 2027. MMV Points incurred 6 points Violation of N.J.A.C. 13:71-1.19 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)
BROWER, BURLIN W
CBRN on 4/7/2026 KEVIL, KY FINED: $10,000 YOB 1971 FULL - 379 DAYS, 11/11/2026 THRU 11/24/2027 CONDUCT DETRIMENTAL TO THE BEST INTEREST OF HORSE RACING After appearing before the Board of Judges on 10/19/2026 and hearing all testimony under oath and reviewing all evidence, the Board of Judges do find that Mr. Burlin Brower did violate the following rules and regulations. 1. (810 KAR 3:020 Section 15 – 1 – M) – Mr. Brower failed to disclose to the corporation complete ownership or beneficial interest in a horse entered to be raced in the Commonwealth of Kentucky while a horse was owned by an inactive person. 2. (810 KAR 3:020 Section 15 – 1 – Q) – Mr. Brower engaged in conduct that is against the best interest of horse racing in the Commonwealth of Kentucky by allowing an inactive person to care for and pay bills for horses racing in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. 3. (810 KAR 3:020 Section 15 – 1 – HH) – Mr. Brower knowingly aided and abetted an inactive person in violation of KRS Chapter 230, KAR Title 810, and other statutes and administrative regulations pertaining to horse racing by allowing an inactive person to have financial gain from horses racing in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. 4. (810 KAR 8:030 Section 7 – 3 – C) – Mr. Brower did give remuneration and other compensation to an inactive person that was otherwise unable to participate in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The Board of Judges hereby issue Mr. Brower the following penalties; Ten Thousand ($10,000) Dollar Fine and a Full Suspension of Three Hundred Seventy-Nine (379) Days from 11/11/2026 through 11/24/2027. Mr. Brower is denied all privileges and access to all association grounds under the jurisdiction of the Kentucky Horse Racing & Gaming Corporation during this period of suspension. All horses owned and/or trained by Mr. Brower are not permitted to be transferred without the prior approval of the Board of Judges of the KHRG.
BUSH, STEVEN B
Mea on 8/5/2026 POSITIVE TEST- POST RACE BRIDGEVILLE, PA FINED: $750 YOB 1967 HORSE DISQUALIFIED - PLACED 9, PURSE REDISTRIBUTION PA Code Title 7: 203.22(a) 203.22(b) 401.2(a)(1) 401.2(a)(3)(ii) 401.3(a) 401.3(b) 401.45 401.41(e)(10) Mr. Bush was the trainer of the horse EDINBURGH HANOVER that raced in The Meadows` fourth race on August 5, 2026. Blood samples drawn (post-race) from EDINBURGH HANOVER were tested and found to contain the therapeutic drug Flunixin at a level above the allowable level set by the Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission. As the trainer, Mr. Bush is responsible for this positive test. Mr. Bush is fined $750 (fine has been paid). EDINBURGH HANOVER finished first and is now disqualified. Purse money earned by EDINBURGH HANOVER must be returned within ten days of this ruling. Mitigating factors were considered in determining this penalty. Mr. Bush has waived his hearing/appeal rights.
GRIFFITH, SHANE M
DD on 10/20/2026 HOUSTON, DE YOB 2006 FULL - INDEFINITELY AS OF 10/26/2026 CONDUCT DETRIMENTAL TO THE BEST INTEREST OF HORSE RACING Per DHRC rule 3.2.3 Disciplinary Actions and 3.2.3.1 alleged misconduct, Cruelty to a horse. Shane Griffith is indefinitely suspended until the investigation is completed. Shane Griffith did appeal the DHRC Judges ruling. A hearing was held in the judges office at Ballys Dover Downs on Oct 26 at 12;00 pm. On Oct 21, 2026 the judges were informed by DHRC investigator Handley Orr of written statements from witness’s describing what they had seen Shane Griffith do to a young horse at Dovington training center located in Felton, De. The judges immediately prepared a notice of hearing to be presented to Shane Griffith, the notice of hearing was placed with the paddock judge at Harrington Raceway at 4pm on Oct 21, 2026. The last day of racing of the Harrington meet. Shane Griffith was scheduled to drive in the 4th race this day. Someone informed Shane Griffith that he was taken off the drive and was being summarily suspended. Shane Griffith did not arrive to the paddock on Oct 21, 2026.Efforts to contact Shane Griffith that evening were not successful. On Oct 22 , 2026 Shene Griffith called Judge Corey at his home at 8;20 am. Judge Corey informed Shane Griffith of the charges and that a hearing was set for Oct26, 2026 at 12;00 pm in the judges office at Dover Downs, this was the earliest date and time the judges could hold the hearing due to the judges office being moved from Harrington Raceway to Ballys Dover Downs, to be ready for the start of the Ballys Dover Downs meet. This is an ongoing investigation. Shane Griffith was suspended indefinitely based on the evidence that was presented. The DHRC board of judges, aided by DHRC investigator Handley Orr, were convinced that it is in the best interest of racing and for the protection of the well being of the horses that Shane Griffith could come in contact with. DHRC rules 2.1 , 2.1.2 , 5.1.27.7, 5.1.16, 5.1.16.1
HERSHBERGER, LEVI E
Nfld on 9/12/2026 POSITIVE TEST- POST RACE NORTH LAWERENCE, OH FINED: $500 YOB 1985 HORSE DISQUALIFIED - PLACED 9, PURSE REDISTRIBUTION Blood sample #942812 collected at Northfield Park on 9/12/26 from the horse Sumbadgirl was found to contain Dexamethasone at a concentration of 14+/-1 picograms per milliliter of plasma. This exceeds the Regulatory Threshold of 5 picograms per milliliter of plasma adopted by the OSRC. Mr. Hershberger waived his rights to a split sample, DNA, and a hearing. This is Mr. Hershberger`s first medication violation in the last 365 days. Mr. Hershberger is hereby fined $1,000 and return of purse ($4,600) if not appealed the penalty will be reduced to a $500 fine and return of purse. O.S.R.C.-3769-1801(A)(1,10,13,15,16)3769-18-02 3769-17-43. The fine and purse must be paid by 11/1/26.
JOHNSON, BRENDAN
CBRN on 10/19/2026 GEORGETOWN, KY FINED: $500 CONDUCT DETRIMENTAL TO THE BEST INTEREST OF HORSE RACING YOB 1965 After appearing before the Board of Judges on 10/24/2026 in the Judges Office at Cumberland Run at Corbin, the Board of Judges find that on 10/19/2026 Mr. Brendan Johnson did permit and allow an underage family member to be actively working with horses in the paddock while on association grounds at Cumberland Run, violating 810 KAR 3:020 Section 15 – 1 – HH & 810 KAR 3:020 Section 15 – 1 – II, while using a license badge of another family member. This action is deemed detrimental conduct to the best interest of racing, violating 810 KAR 3:020 Section 15 – 1 – Q. Due to aggravating circumstances regarding prior rulings concerning the same issues, Mr. Johnson has been issued a Five Hundred ($500) Dollar Fine and a Thirty (30) Day Full Suspension, that will be held in abeyance if no further violations occur in the next 365 days.
MAXWELL, PRAVI
Lex on 9/15/2026 POSITIVE TEST- POST RACE MACON, MS FINED: $1,000 YOB 1977 HORSE DISQUALIFIED - PLACED 10, PURSE REDISTRIBUTION Mr. Pravi Maxwell was the listed trainer of #2 Miss Sunshine Lady who was in the 13th race at The Red Mile on 9/15/2026. Post race testing of sample #E706009 that was sent to Industrial Laboratories confirmed Dexamethasone in the blood, which is a violation of 810 KAR 8:025. Mr. Maxwell failed to respond to the Report Of Positive Medication Violation form that was sent to him on 10/6/2026 with a due date of end of business on 10/9/2026, hence waving his right to a split sample for not answering in a timely manner. After appearing before the Board of Judges of the KHRG by phone on 10/25/2026, Mr. Maxwell is hereby issued a Fine of One Thousand ($1000) Dollars, and #2 Miss Sunshine Lady is hereby disqualified and is placed 10th, and the purse of Three Thousand One Hundred ($3,100) Dollars is ordered to be returned and redistributed.
Quote from talkinghorse on November 6, 2026, 9:54 AMFAS Rulings for Friday, November 6, 2026
NOTABLES:
AUSTIN, MICHAEL DALE
M on 6/26/2026 POSITIVE TEST- POST RACE PINE BUSH, NY FINED: $5,000...STAYED FULL - 365 DAYS, 11/1/2026 THRU 10/31/2027...STAYED HORSE DISQUALIFIED, PURSE REDISTRIBUTION...STAYED YOB 1964 Michael Austin was the programmed trainer of the horse "FREDS FINALE" when he raced in the sixth race at the Meadowlands Racetrack on June 26, 2026. Following the race, "FREDS FINALE" was required to submit blood and urine for analysis. A report from Industrial Laboratories identified the presence of Oxymorphone in the urine. Mr. Austin was offered the opportunity to have the split sample tested at an independent laboratory and declined. The presence of Oxymorphone in a horse racing at the Meadowlands is in direct violation of the rules and regulations of the New Jersey Racing Commission. Mr. Austin appeared at a hearing before the Board of Judges at the Meadowlands Racetrack on September 14, 2026. As a result, Mr. Austin 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 November 1, 2026 and run through October 31, 2027 inclusive. During the period of suspension, Mr. Austin 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 "FREDS FINALE" is disqualified from sharing in all purse monies earned on June 26, 2026. The fine associated with this ruling must be received by the New Jersey Racing Commission on or before October 31, 2027. MMV Points incurred 6 points Violation of N.J.A.C. 13:71-1.19 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)
Status as of 11/2/2026 - Stay - The New Jersey Racing Commission ("Commission") is in receipt of a notice of appeal and request for a stay from trainer Michael Austin. By Ruling No. 26MDH102, dated September 15, 2026, trainer Michael Austin was issued a 365-day suspension, $5,000 fine, disqualification of purse and 6 Multiple Medication Violation ("MMV") points by the Board of Judges at Meadowlands Racetrack for violation of N.J.A.C. 13:71-1.19, N.J.A.C. 13:71-23.1 (a), (b) 14, N.J.A.C. 13:71-23.6 (a), (b), (c), (d), and N.J.A.C. 13:71-23.7 (a), (b), (c), (d) in connection with a positive test restult identifying the presence of Oxymorphone in the horse "FREDS FINALE" when it competed in the 6th race at Meadowlands Racetrack on June 26, 2026. The Acting Executive Director, having considered the request for a stay, hereby grants a stay of the penalties pending a final determination by the Racing Commission. This matter will be transmitted to the Office of Administrative Law for a de novo hearing. Related ruling: 26MDH102, dated September 15, 2026
FAS Rulings for Friday, November 6, 2026
NOTABLES:
AUSTIN, MICHAEL DALE
M on 6/26/2026 POSITIVE TEST- POST RACE PINE BUSH, NY FINED: $5,000...STAYED FULL - 365 DAYS, 11/1/2026 THRU 10/31/2027...STAYED HORSE DISQUALIFIED, PURSE REDISTRIBUTION...STAYED YOB 1964 Michael Austin was the programmed trainer of the horse "FREDS FINALE" when he raced in the sixth race at the Meadowlands Racetrack on June 26, 2026. Following the race, "FREDS FINALE" was required to submit blood and urine for analysis. A report from Industrial Laboratories identified the presence of Oxymorphone in the urine. Mr. Austin was offered the opportunity to have the split sample tested at an independent laboratory and declined. The presence of Oxymorphone in a horse racing at the Meadowlands is in direct violation of the rules and regulations of the New Jersey Racing Commission. Mr. Austin appeared at a hearing before the Board of Judges at the Meadowlands Racetrack on September 14, 2026. As a result, Mr. Austin 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 November 1, 2026 and run through October 31, 2027 inclusive. During the period of suspension, Mr. Austin 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 "FREDS FINALE" is disqualified from sharing in all purse monies earned on June 26, 2026. The fine associated with this ruling must be received by the New Jersey Racing Commission on or before October 31, 2027. MMV Points incurred 6 points Violation of N.J.A.C. 13:71-1.19 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)
Status as of 11/2/2026 - Stay - The New Jersey Racing Commission ("Commission") is in receipt of a notice of appeal and request for a stay from trainer Michael Austin. By Ruling No. 26MDH102, dated September 15, 2026, trainer Michael Austin was issued a 365-day suspension, $5,000 fine, disqualification of purse and 6 Multiple Medication Violation ("MMV") points by the Board of Judges at Meadowlands Racetrack for violation of N.J.A.C. 13:71-1.19, N.J.A.C. 13:71-23.1 (a), (b) 14, N.J.A.C. 13:71-23.6 (a), (b), (c), (d), and N.J.A.C. 13:71-23.7 (a), (b), (c), (d) in connection with a positive test restult identifying the presence of Oxymorphone in the horse "FREDS FINALE" when it competed in the 6th race at Meadowlands Racetrack on June 26, 2026. The Acting Executive Director, having considered the request for a stay, hereby grants a stay of the penalties pending a final determination by the Racing Commission. This matter will be transmitted to the Office of Administrative Law for a de novo hearing. Related ruling: 26MDH102, dated September 15, 2026