WV Court Upholds Penalties for Trainer Grove
Feb 5, 2014 0:23:12 GMT -5
Post by Jon on Feb 5, 2014 0:23:12 GMT -5
OK - The horse tested positive. But, the trainer was out of town and there was no evidence other than 1 test result. To me, it seems like a harsh penalty, But then I'm in NY where Dutrow bypassed 100's of similar incidents. CA doles out 30 days (if anything). Was the test wrong? Was there a set-up at CTown? No security cameras?
Anyone else think this was too severe a penalty?
WV Court Upholds Penalties for Trainer Grove
By Tom LaMarra
A circuit court in West Virginia has upheld the penalties levied against trainer Chris Grove for a Class 1 positive at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in 2012.
The Circuit Court of Kanawha County Jan. 28 issued its decision affirming the action taken against Grove by the West Virginia Racing Commission on the recommendation of a hearing officer. Grove's attorney had challenged the racing commission's use of the absolute insurer rule in the case.
Grove was suspended six months and fined $5,000 for the Class 1 positive. Tests detected levels of Nikethamide, a stimulant that affects the respiratory system. The horse that tested positive was Bubba de France, who competed in a $5,000 claiming race with an $11,000 purse.
The case is of note because it never was determined who administered the drug. Grove wasn't at Charles Town, and investigators found no evidence his assistant, Misael Ceciliano, administered the drug, according to court documents.
The court record states Bubba de France was left alone in his stall from about 1 p.m. until the time furosemide was administered for that night's races. Only "general track security" was in the area, the record states.
Grove already has served his suspension and is training in Maryland, where he has been based for years.
"This court finds no basis to overturn this exercise of discretion (by the WVRC) upon appeal," Judge Charles King said.
Anyone else think this was too severe a penalty?
WV Court Upholds Penalties for Trainer Grove
By Tom LaMarra
A circuit court in West Virginia has upheld the penalties levied against trainer Chris Grove for a Class 1 positive at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in 2012.
The Circuit Court of Kanawha County Jan. 28 issued its decision affirming the action taken against Grove by the West Virginia Racing Commission on the recommendation of a hearing officer. Grove's attorney had challenged the racing commission's use of the absolute insurer rule in the case.
Grove was suspended six months and fined $5,000 for the Class 1 positive. Tests detected levels of Nikethamide, a stimulant that affects the respiratory system. The horse that tested positive was Bubba de France, who competed in a $5,000 claiming race with an $11,000 purse.
The case is of note because it never was determined who administered the drug. Grove wasn't at Charles Town, and investigators found no evidence his assistant, Misael Ceciliano, administered the drug, according to court documents.
The court record states Bubba de France was left alone in his stall from about 1 p.m. until the time furosemide was administered for that night's races. Only "general track security" was in the area, the record states.
Grove already has served his suspension and is training in Maryland, where he has been based for years.
"This court finds no basis to overturn this exercise of discretion (by the WVRC) upon appeal," Judge Charles King said.
