Baxter Serving 25-Day Suspension for Drug Violations

Trainer Georgina Baxter has begun serving a 25-day suspension for three medication violations, according to records from the Association of Racing Commissioners International and the Florida Division of Business and Professional Regulations.

The violations were for the presence of both Flunixin and Phenylbutazone (Bute) in the post-race samples of Blings Express, Fallen Leaf, and Trev from racing at Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs. These fell in the Class 4 category, less serious than those in the 3, 2, and 1 categories, where Class 1 violations have the greatest potential to affect performance and have little or no medical use in racehorses.

There were no announced post-race disqualifications from the violations.

The suspension began Feb. 24 and continues through March 19, according to ARCI. Baxter was also fined $7,500.

The violations were for the combination of both Flunixin and Phenylbutazone. Many jurisdictions restrict the use of multiple non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, a practice called "stacking."

Flunixin is also known by the brand name Banamine.

Racing in Florida this winter, Baxter is 8-for-26 with stable earnings of $234,750 in 2020. Last year she won 47 of 160 races and more than $1.3 million, including a victory from Lady's Island in the Sugar Swirl Stakes (G3) at Gulfstream Dec. 14. Her overall record stands at 73 for 280, with her horses making more than $2.1 million.

She began training in 2018, picking up many horses previously trained by Ralph Ziadie, who was denied a racing license in Florida after a rash of medication violations. Blings Express, Fallen Leaf, and Trev were formerly trained by Ziadie.