Dr. Michael Hall Weber

The appellant, a standardbred licensee, appealed a 15-day suspension and $2,000 fine imposed after a horse he trained tested positive for the Class V drug procaine.

The appellant argued he administered the drug within prescribed guidelines and that a delayed retest showed levels within the legal limit.

The Ontario Racing Commission dismissed the appeal, finding the initial test result was accurate and above the allowable threshold, while the retest was likely affected by the deterioration of the sample over time.

As this was the appellant's second positive test within one year, the Commission varied the penalty to a 30-day suspension and a $1,500 fine in accordance with penalty guidelines.