Richard Tso

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.