Dr. Mike Weber

The appellant, a standardbred licensee, appealed a decision imposing a $1,500 fine and a 60-day suspension after his horse tested positive for an excess level of TCO2.

The appellant argued that the blood sample was tested more than 48 hours after collection, contrary to the rules.

The Ontario Racing Commission denied the appeal, finding that the 48-hour timeframe is a guideline, the delay actually worked to the appellant's advantage by potentially lowering TCO2 levels, and the technical errors in the original ruling did not prejudice the appellant.

A thoroughbred veterinarian appealed a Stewards Ruling fining him $1,500 for failing to properly label a bottle of Valium before dispensing it, in violation of Rule 27.20.

The veterinarian admitted to omitting required information on the label but contested the finding that his recommended 36-hour withdrawal time violated the rule.

The Ontario Racing Commission found that the 36-hour recommendation was reasonable based on clinical experience and the information available in 2000.

However, the Commission upheld the $1,500 fine due to the serious nature of dispensing improperly labeled drugs.