Howard Taylor

The appellants appealed the 90-day suspensions of their horses following positive tests for Ractopamine.

The Ontario Racing Commission found that the positive tests resulted from contaminated feed purchased from an arms-length supplier, and the trainers were absolved of any wrongdoing.

Relying on veterinary evidence that the drug had cleared the horses' systems, the panel concluded that extraordinary circumstances existed to grant a stay of the remaining suspension days for the horses.

Five horse trainers and owners appealed the denial of a stay of 90-day suspensions imposed after their horses tested positive for Ractopamine.

The appellants argued that extraordinary circumstances existed because the positive tests were allegedly caused by contaminated feed from a common supplier, and the suspensions would cause financial hardship.

The Ontario Racing Commission denied the appeal, finding no extraordinary circumstances to warrant a stay before the completion of the ongoing investigation and due process.