John William Macdonald

The appellant, a standardbred horse trainer, appealed penalties imposed after a horse he trained tested positive for Minoxidil, a Class III drug.

The drug was traced to the horse's owner, who used Rogaine and frequently interacted with the horse.

The panel found the appellant established due diligence, as the contamination was accidental and not readily discoverable.

Consequently, the panel reduced the penalty to a non-oppressive $300 fine and set aside the suspension.

However, the panel declined to waive the absolute liability rule breach, finding no exceptional circumstances to justify doing so.