Sadler Suspended and Fined for Medication Violations

Trainer John Sadler has been fined $15,000 and suspended 60 days—45 of which are stayed—by the California Horse Racing Board for three medication violations during the spring of 2019, according to a June 28 CHRB ruling.

The suspension runs June 29-July 14, with the following days stayed.

"Two of these cases involved the passive transmission by a groom of a medication prescribed for his own medical condition," a statement provided by Sadler said in part. "The other involved detection of a prohibited substance in a horse over which I did not have actual custody or control."

Sadler, who entered into a settlement agreement and mutual release with the CHRB, is placed on probation for one year from the ruling date and may not have any violations of Class 1, 2, or 3 drug positives. If he does have a violation during that time, the 45 stayed days will be imposed following a noticed hearing, according to the ruling.

The drug positives, which were gabapentin and clenbuterol, came from the horses Field Bet, after running fifth in an April 14, 2019 maiden claiming race at Santa Anita Park; Jasikan, who was third in the April 28, 2019 Singletary Stakes at Santa Anita; and Sneem, who won a May 10, 2019 maiden special weight at Golden Gate Fields. Hronis Racing owned all three horses at the time.

Gabapentin can be used to treat seizures and clenbuterol can be used to help horses with airway issues. The Association of Racing Commissioners International lists both as Class 3 medications with a B penalty.

The full statement provided by Sadler reads:

"As you know, trainers are liable for the condition of their horses regardless of the acts of third parties. The imposition of the trainer insurer rule requires only the detection of a prohibited substance in an official sample and identification of the trainer of the horse. The trainer insurer rule is not based on actual administration of a drug or negligent care. Fault is not an element of liability under the trainer insurer rule.

"The incidents covered by the settlement agreement and the penalties imposed under the agreement reflect the fact that these incidents resulted from circumstances beyond my control but which nonetheless are my responsibility. Two of these cases involved the passive transmission by a groom of a medication prescribed for his own medical condition. The other involved detection of a prohibited substance in a horse over which I did not have actual custody or control.

"I want to thank the CHRB for their consideration of the mitigating circumstances underlying these complaints in reaching this agreement. My decision to enter into the settlement agreement was based upon the costs involved in defending against these allegations and recognition of the impact of the trainer insurer rule. Over my 40 years as a trainer, I can unequivocally state that I neither administered nor had knowledge of the administration of any prohibited substance to any of my horses."