Avila Draws Suspension Dates, Plans to Appeal
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Santa Anita Park stewards March 5 announced the dates of A.C. Avila's California Horse Racing Board-ordered suspension, but the trainer has already stated he will contest the penalty in court.
The stewards assigned Avila's 60-day suspension to the dates of March 15 through May 13, during which Avila will have all training licenses revoked, along with a ban from all CHRB premises. The sanctions, which include a $10,000 fine, stem from a March 2014 positive test for Masochistic that showed levels of the tranquilizer acepromazine in excess of the allowed amount.
BLOOD-HORSE STAFF: Trainer A.C. Avila Suspended, Fined by CHRB
After Masochistic's last race, an eye-catching win in a 6 1/2-furlong allowance/optional claiming race at Santa Anita Feb. 28, Avila was defiant in the face of the accusations and said he would contest the sanctions in court.
BALAN: Avila Defiant in Face of Suspension
To avoid the suspension, the trainer would need to acquire a temporary restraining order through California's court system.
As for Masochistic, Avila said he is planning on shipping the Sought After gelding to Kentucky for the $500,000 Churchill Downs Stakes (gr. II) May 2.