WHO KNOWS THE RULES

[gh2009]

So now days they actually release the purse before test results are returned from lab?

At most tracks I know the drivers have direct deposit for their purse checks, so they probably get paid first.

[Locked in with pace]

OWNERS HAVE DIRECT DEPOSIT TOO . ALMOST ALL TRACKS NOW REQUIRE IT

[carl baldwin]

The groom would still get paid for paddocking the horse. When you say "tip", do you mean their 5% share of the purse, if you do, yes, they have to give it back.

The "tip" would be a cash payment above and beyond the 5% or 10% of the purse they automatically get.

[Locked in with pace]

Does anyone know the largest 1st place check that had to be returned due to a positive post-race test?

[SeattleSlew]

Medina's Spirit $1.86mm check had to be "returned."

Perfect Sting $74,166 returned (which is ironic since he had gotten the "W" by the DQ of the original 1st place horse in the race he tested positive).

[gh2009]

Does anyone know the largest 1st place check that had to be returned due to a positive post-race test?
[/quot

If you recall, Charlie May who won the 2021 Meadowlands Pace but was DQ'd for interference. In February of 2023, after a lengthy court battle the judges determined that Southwind Gendry made a quick break, interfering with Charlie May, causing him to interfere with horses behind him. The judges eventually reversed their decision and declared Charlie May the winner of the 2021 Meadowlands Pace. Their decision was appealed by other owners but if I recall, earlier this year he was ultimately declared the winner, but I don't know if anyone appealed the decision or if he's been paid and the purse redistributed.

[SeattleSlew]

I believe the question related to a "positive test" which puts Charlie May's situation in a different category.

[gh2009]

I've never seen any mention of a positive test on Charlie May. He never should have been DQ'd in the first place for interfering because the horse he was following, Southwind Gendry backed into him causing a chain reaction behind him. It was obvious when it happened live and just as obvious on the replay, but the judges were blind.