Miller Fined $500 for Medication Violation With Hembree
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Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt
Trainer Peter Miller
Trainer Peter Miller was fined $500 by stewards in California after Hembree tested positive for isoflupredone after winning the Joe Hernandez Stakes (G2T) at Santa Anita Park Jan. 1.
The presence of isoflupredone, an intra-articular corticosteroid, was confirmed in a split-sample test, according to California Horse Racing Board documents. It is categorized in Class 4 Penalty Class C by the CHRB. Penalty Class C medications carry suggested first-offense fines of $500 to $1,000, absent mitigating circumstances. Violations in Penalty Class A and Penalty Class B result in stiffer penalties.
The CHRB issued a complaint on the medication violation last month and the stewards' decision was issued April 10.
BloodHorse: Medication Complaint Filed Over Miller-Trained Hembree
The ruling toward Miller for his Class 4 violation made no reference to disqualification. CHRB rules require disqualifications with violations in Class 1, 2, and 3.
Hembree, claimed by owner Tom Kagele for $62,500 from a victorious effort at Churchill Downs in November, scored in his first start for Miller in the Joe Hernandez, finishing three-quarters of a length ahead of True Valour . An earner of more than $929,000, Hembree also won the Nearctic Stakes (G2T) at Woodbine in 2018 for previous owner Three Diamonds Farm and trainer Mike Maker.
The 7-year-old Proud Citizen horse finished fifth last out in the Thunder Road Stakes (G3T) at Santa Anita Feb. 6.