Drug Testing For Qualifiers ?

[makingit]

Are all qualifiers treated as pari-mutuel races and drug tests given to winner and others in the race ?

[Chips N Salsa]

BONGIORNO, JENNIFER L ALPINE, NJ YOB 1990
PHL on 12/17/2023 FINED: $1,500
HORSE DISQUALIFIED, PURSE
REDISTRIBUTION
POSITIVE TEST- POST RACE
PA Code Title 7-203.22(a) 203.22(b) 401.2(a)(1) 401.3(a) 401.3(b) Jennifer Bongiorno was
the trainer of the horse DANCE ON THE BEACH for the 3rd Qualifier on December 5, 2023
at Harrah`s Philadelphia and Race 2 on December 17, 2023 at Harrah`s Philadelphia.
Blood samples #412851 and #412905 drawn (post-race) from DANCE ON THE BEACH
were tested and found to contain Quinidine. This is in violation of the PA medication rules.
As the trainer of record, Ms. Bongiorno is responsible for the positive tests. Mitigating
factors were considered in the determination of this penalty. After waiving the right to
appeal Ms. Bongiorno has been fined $1500.00. DANCE ON THE BEACH finished 1st in
the Qualifier (12/5/2023) and 1st in the pari-mutuel race (12/17/2023) and has been
disqualified from both events. There is a loss of the purse ($6000.00) which must be
returned for redistribution within 10 days. Fine is also due within 10 days of this ruling.

[Kirby's Ace]

I'd like to know what the mitigating circumstances are for giving a horse prescription heart medicine! And get no days to boot!

[Chips N Salsa]

Probably Bobby B heart medicine and his pissed in the stall!

[Parked]

I'd like to know what the mitigating circumstances are for giving a horse prescription heart medicine! And get no days to boot!

Maybe friends in higher places.  No different than several other “big” trainers listed in this weeks fines and suspensions.   

[makingit]

Are drug tests mandatory for all qualifying races ?

[SwankToliverA]

Couldve flipped his heart, causing the need for the med.
Mayne that is the mitigating circumstances mentioned.

[Grandstand Handicapper]

Are all qualifiers treated as pari-mutuel races and drug tests given to winner and others in the race ?

Unless the Meadowlands changed their rules for 2024, I remember reading last year that the rules and regulations for qualifiers were the same for parimutuel races, and for qualifiers the testing was for the winner, and any random # of any horses in the race. Someone on the board of the SBOA said that the rule is subject to change and completely arbitrary because of the "private property" rights for actual racing activities at the Meadowlands. I have no idea if that is true.

[PineHurstPacer]

Quinidine is used for horses that have went into A-Fib

It takes forever to get out of the system (60+days)

serves no purpose for gaining an advantage

One of multiple drugs Pa needs to re-evaluate the benefit of, and the lack of a competition edge.

Edit:  The Bongiorno stable still should have worked with their vet to ensure they didn't race until the horse was clear.

Hopefully the commission will wake up and edit the rule on this therapeutic medication