The Critical Way, Wind of Change DQ'd From N.J. Wins
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Photo: Bill Denver/EQUI-PHOTO
The Critical Way, ultimately disqualified for a medication infraction, crosses the wire in first in the Get Serious Stakes at Monmouth Park
Two stakes winners at Monmouth Park this summer have been disqualified for medication infractions, according to rulings published Oct. 14 on the Association of Racing Commissioners International website.
The Critical Way , one of the top grass sprinters in the Mid-Atlantic, was demoted from victory in the June 19 Get Serious Stakes at Monmouth after test results showed the presence of levamisole. Stewards there fined trainer Jose Delgado $500 and issued him a 15-day suspension from Oct. 11-25.
The other disqualified stakes winner, Daniel Alonso's Wind of Change , was sanctioned after tests showed the presence of aminocaproic acid after the horse won the Mr. Prospector Stakes at 2-1 odds at Monmouth May 29. Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. was fined $1,000 but not suspended.
The ruling stated he was "hereby disqualified from sharing in the purse from May 29, 2021. The Horseman's Bookkeeper is hereby ordered to redistribute the purse monies from the 9th race on May 29, 2021, accordingly."
Aminocaproic acid, sold as Amicar, has been used by horsemen as an adjunct bleeder medication. It is a Class 4 drug that calls for a Class C penalty on the ARCI's Uniform Classification Guideline of Foreign Substances and Recommended Penalties.
Wind of Change finishes in front in the Mr. Prospector Stakes at Monmouth Park
The Critical Way, odds on in the Get Serious, crossed the wire three lengths in front, speeding five furlongs on turf in :55.19. He has since won two more stakes, including the Parx Dash Stakes (G3T) at Parx Racing Aug. 31.
Monmouth stewards placed The Critical Way last of seven and ordered the purse redistributed. The disqualification cost owner Monster Racing Stables the $45,000 first-place share of the purse.
Levamisole, a Class 2 drug with Category B penalties under ARCI guidelines, is found in dewormers typically used for cattle, and other types of animals. The drug can metabolize to the stimulant aminorex.
Another turf sprinter, King Star's Hollywood Talent , the Juan Vazquez trainee who posted a 108-1 upset in the Sept. 25 Turf Monster Stakes (G3T) at Parx Racing, tested positive for levamisole in an initial test following that race, according to a Thursday Paulick Report story.
Paulick Report indicated a split sample has yet to be tested. If the drug's presence is confirmed, a hearing that could result in penalties will be scheduled.
Monmouth Park stewards also suspended Delgado 15 days and fined him $500 for another infraction when Carole Star Stables' Glory Roll tested positive for phenylbutazone (bute) after running fifth in a race at Monmouth June 13. Glory Roll was demoted to last of six. The trainer was suspended from Sept. 26-Oct. 10 for that infraction.
The sanctions to Delgado were among a group of rulings published by ARCI Thursday.
Monmouth stewards further issued trainer Douglas Nunn a 15-day suspension from Oct. 16-30 and fined him $500 after test results showed the presence of flunixin in the post-race sample of Winner Circle Stables' Team Effort in a $16,000 claiming race there May 31. Stewards disqualified the horse from his runner-up finish and placed him sixth.