Dave Gorman

The appellant, a standardbred owner/driver/trainer, appealed a ruling that fined him $5,000 and suspended him for one year after his horse tested positive for caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine.

The Ontario Racing Commission dismissed the appeal, finding that the appellant administered a human-consumption product to the horse four hours before the race to enhance performance without researching it or consulting a veterinarian.

The panel concluded the appellant failed to demonstrate due diligence.

The appellants, a thoroughbred trainer and an owner/groom, brought a motion to adjourn their appeal from a prior ruling.

The Ontario Racing Commission granted the adjournment, making it peremptory on the appellants to proceed on the new date.

However, the Commission lifted the existing stay of penalty against the trainer, suspending his licence and barring him from the backstretch pending the resumption of the hearing.

The appellants appealed Judges' Rulings finding them in violation of various Rules of Standardbred Racing related to hidden trainers and misleading investigators.

The Ontario Racing Commission granted the appeals regarding the hidden trainer allegations, finding that the named trainer did perform sufficient duties to be considered the trainer of record.

However, the Commission upheld the findings that the appellants misled investigators and submitted false licence applications.

Fines were imposed and licences suspended until payment.