Rare Failed Drug Test for Horse Trained by McAnally

The California Horse Racing Board filed a complaint May 17 against Racing Hall of Fame trainer Ron McAnally after his runner Roses and Candy  failed a post-race drug test following a victory in a starter allowance race Nov. 22 at Del Mar.

The Candy Ride   mare tested positive for a derivative of CBD, also known as cannabidiol. The derivative found was 7-Carboxy-Cannabadiol and a requested split sample confirmed the finding.

Monday's complaint against McAnally, and wife Deborah McAnally who owns the horse, notes a stewards' hearing has been scheduled for 10:30 a.m. PT, May 22, at Santa Anita Park.

California does not list CBD among its classified substances, which typically would place it in the highest level of concern: a class 1 drug calling for penalty category A. But as CBD does not contain THC like its cousin marijuana, California regulators are in the process of reclassifying CBD as a Class 3 substance, Penalty Class B.

CHRB spokesman Mike Marten said with that process already in motion, CHRB staff recommended the stewards consider the CBD finding in the lower classifications in line with the changes—although the stewards will ultimately make that call. Marten said that approach, "is only fair."

A disqualification is recommended at either level. Roses and Candy earned $21,000 in prevailing by a nose over runner-up Acai .

In its recommendation to the stewards, the CHRB also noted that McAnally has not had a positive of Class 4 or greater concern since 1998.

In 2019 the industry's Racing Medication and Testing Consortium put out a release outlining concerns about CBD, noting its increased over-the-counter availability. It noted that these products are not well-regulated.

"Like other largely unregulated products, there are risks regarding purity, consistency, and safety," the RMTC said. "The lack of regulation poses a risk to the trainer of a positive finding and to horse health."

A first offense in Penalty Class B calls for a 15-60 day suspension and fine of $500-$1,000 absent mitigating circumstances.

McAnally could not immediately be reached for comment Monday.