Dr. Sandra Pineau

The appellant, a licensed horse trainer, appealed a one-year suspension, $5,000 fine, and two years' probation imposed after his horse tested positive for Ethanol, a Class II prohibited substance.

The appellant admitted to injecting the horse with vodka prior to a race to calm it down, but argued he was unaware of a recent notice regarding Ethanol testing and sought a reduced penalty based on a prior case involving procedural irregularities.

The Ontario Racing Commission denied the appeal, finding that Ethanol had been a prohibited substance since 2008, the appellant failed to exercise due diligence by administering an unapproved substance without veterinary advice, and there were no compelling reasons to vary the minimum penalty.