Meth Positives In Ohio: Two Harness Racing Trainers Handed One-Year Suspensions – Horse Racing News

|02.13.202302.13.2023|1:52pm1:52pm

Two harness racing trainers have been issued one-year suspensions after the Ohio State Racing Commission found that post-race samples contained traces of D-Methamphetamine, according to rulings posted on the Association of Racing Commissioners International website on Feb. 11, 2023.

A central nervous system stimulant and DEA Schedule 2 controlled drug, meth in racehorses is a Class 1, penalty category A offense.

On Nov. 8, 2022, Sheswildnfree ran at Northfield Park for trainer William Rhoades. The horse’s post-race test sample returned a positive result for D-Methamphetamine. The OSRC ordered that the $2, 750 in purse money be returned, and that Rhoades be suspended for 365 days. If Rhoades chooses not to appeal, the suspension will be reduced to 60 days (with 305 days stayed) pending no Class 1 or 2 positives within the next 365 days.

Rhoades scored his 1,000th training victory on Jan. 3, 2023, and is currently leading the standings at Northfield Park.. The trainer, whose career began in 2004, had his biggest season yet in 2022: he earned shy of $1.5 million in earnings, winning 185 starts earning him a twelfth place finish in the national trainer standings and third in the standings at the Flying Turns.

On Nov. 26, 2022, Dashintothebeach N ran at Northfield Park for trainer Herman Hagerman. The horse’s post-race test sample returned a positive result for D-Methamphetamine. The OSRC ordered that the $9,000 in purse money be returned, and that Hagerman be suspended for 365 days. If Hagerman chooses not to appeal, the suspension will be reduced to 60 days (with 305 days stayed) pending no Class 1 or 2 positives within the next 365 days.