Rodriguez Suspended, Fined for Positives
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Trainer Rudy Rodriguez was handed a 25-day suspension and was fined $2,500 after two of his horses tested positive for the Class 4 therapeutic drug flunixin, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug also known as Banamine that is used to treat colic and muscle pain.
According to a ruling issued by the New York State Gaming Commission Feb. 28, two of Rodriguez's horses—Majestic Marquet and Vee's Accolade—both had flunixin present in their system during race day.
Rodriguez served a 20-day suspension in 2013 and also paid a $7,500 fine after two horses tested positive for flunixin in 2012. His current suspension will run from March 2-26.
The trainer will be denied access to the grounds and his horses are expected to run under the care of his brother, Gustavo Rodriguez, who is also Rodriguez's assistant. After his suspension ends, Rodriguez will serve a nine-month probationary period and would receive an additional 20-day suspension if any horse in his barn tests positive.
Majestic Marquet won the eighth race at Aqueduct Racetrack on March 10, 2013, while Vee's Accolade finished second in the sixth race at Belmont Park April 26. Both horses were disqualified from the order of finish and ordered unplaced, with purse money from the races to be redistributed.
The former jockey and exercise rider for banned trainer Rick Dutrow Jr., Rodriguez had to get special permission from the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission to allow his horse, Vyjack, to compete in the 2013 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), after agreeing to 24-hour surveillance. Vyjack finished 18th.
Rodriguez began his training career in 2010 and has saddled 582 winners with earnings of $24,819,559. In 2014 he had his best season ever, winning 132 races from 628 starts with earnings of $7,510,689, including saddling the winners of four grade I races—Belle Gallantey (Delaware Handicap, Beldame Stakes), Dads Caps (Carter Handicap), and Condo Commando (Spinaway Stakes).
Condo Commando is considered a top prospect for this year's Longines Kentucky Oaks (gr.I) to be held at Churchill Downs May 1.
Rodriguez did not immediately return a call seeking comment.