A suspension of trainer Chris Grove has been issued by stewards of Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races for six months plus fines of $5,000. The suspension stems from a major drug violation that occurred in July.
Also suspended by the stewards was Grove's assistant for the race, Misael Ceciliano. His suspension is the same as Grove’s – six months plus fine of $5,000.
Grove’s horse Bubba de France was positive for nikethamide after the July 28, 2012 race at the Charles Town track.
Bubba de France is owned by E. Clinton Lowry. The horse won the fifth race at Charles Town beating Sir Fits Too Much by a neck. Bubba de France is now disqualified and his owner forfeits the $6,600 purse.
Grove has a trainer rank of eighth at Laurel Park with wins in 673 races through February 27 accumulated in 16 years of training racehorses. Among his top winners are Grade II Greenspring and Sweet Goodbye.
Grove’s violation is for the use of nikethamide [trade name Coramine] that is a stimulant. The Association of Racing Commissioners International “Uniform Classification of Guidelines for Foreign Substances” lists this stimulant as a Class I drug.
These types of drugs receive severe penalties since they are depressants or stimulants “with the highest potential to affect racing performance and have no known generally-accepted use in a racehorse.”
Danny Write, Charles Town state steward, said “It is the first time I have seen a Class I violation in 13 years.”
According to an advisor, Grove is going to appeal for a stay, put in an appeal through the West Virginia Racing Commission and, if necessary, consider court appeals.
Based on data from The Jockey Club’s ThoroughbredRulings.com, Grove has three earlier violations that accrued violations or disqualifications, but they were not Class I. His prior highest fine was $1,500.
Source: Blood Horse
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