Trainer Todd Pletcher has accepted a seven-day suspension imposed by the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit after a horse from his barn tested positive for betamethasone.
“After learning of the allegation, Todd conducted an internal investigation and discovered he and his team followed all timelines and protocols as laid out by HISA,” Pletcher's attorney Drew Mollica said. “Despite this fact, the test seems to show a trace amount was discovered in the system of the horse, and rather than litigate, Todd made the prudent choice to accept the penalty and move on, putting this matter behind him and getting on with the business of the Triple Crown trail.”
The Pletcher-trained Vassimo (Nyquist) tested positive for the drug, a long-acting corticosteroid with immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory properties, after breaking his maiden Dec. 14 at Gulfstream Park. The 3-year-old colt returned to win a Tampa Bay Downs allowance Jan. 17 and was most recently fourth in the GII Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds.
Pletcher's suspension will begin Mar. 4. In addition to the suspension, Vassimo will be disqualified and his winning purse forfeited and the trainer will be assessed a $1,000 fine and 1.5 penalty points.
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