Dr. Cornelius Uboh

The Standardbred licensee appealed an Order of Immediate Suspension and Notice of Proposed Order suspending his license for 10 years and fining him $40,000 after one of his horses tested positive for Darbepoetin-alpha (DPO).

The appellant challenged the scientific and forensic validity of the testing methodology used by the Pennsylvania Equine Toxicology & Research Laboratory (PETRL).

The Ontario Racing Commission panel found the PETRL methodology to be scientifically and forensically valid, confirmed the 10-year suspension, and increased the fine to $60,000 due to the horse's high racing status and earnings.

The standardbred licensee appealed a Director's Order immediately suspending his licenses and proposing a 10-year suspension and $100,000 fine after a horse he trained tested positive for the performance-enhancing drug DPO.

The Ontario Racing Commission found that the trainer responsibility rule is a strict liability offence and the licensee failed to demonstrate due diligence in protecting the horse from tampering.

The Commission varied the penalty, imposing a 10-year suspension and reducing the fine to $10,000.