Report: Blea's Veterinary License Temporarily Suspended

Dr. Jeff Blea, first-year equine medical director of the California Horse Racing Board, had his veterinary license temporarily suspended Jan. 3 by the Veterinary Medical Board of California, according to the Los Angeles Times. The action could jeopardize Blea's position with the CHRB, though the equine medical director position does not require a valid veterinary license.

In the interim suspension order, Administrative Law Judge Nana Chin wrote that the VMB was concerned that Blea "could affect ongoing inquiries by the CHRB into recent sudden racehorse deaths," the Los Angeles Times reported. Though the order suggests multiple horses, undoubtedly the primary focus is Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) first-place finisher Medina Spirit , a Bob Baffert trainee who collapsed and died following a workout at Santa Anita Park last month. Testing and a necropsy are underway into his death, standard practice for horses that die at facilities overseen by the CHRB.

The action by the VMB comes after a complaint was filed against Blea and veterinarians Vince Baker and Sarah Graybill Jones, also in December. The other veterinarians did not have an emergency license hearing and retained their licenses pending a formal hearing, the Los Angeles Times wrote.

In the complaint last month, eight allegations were listed against Blea, preceding his time at the CHRB when he was in private practice as a racetrack veterinarian. The veterinary board said in the filing that it received an anonymous complaint that Blea and other veterinarians prescribed and administered medications, including thyroxine, a thyroid medication, to horses without an examination or medical necessity.

Thyroxine had been popular with some horsemen and veterinarians but was suspected of being overprescribed. Beginning in 2014, the CHRB issued instructions to veterinarians and horsemen for prescribing, dispensing, and labeling thyroid hormones in an effort to curb indiscriminate use. 

Blea, who declined comment in the Los Angeles Times story, began his equine medical director role July 1 after the retirement of Dr. Rick Arthur, who had filled the position for 15 years.

In a petition to suspend Blea's license, Rob Bonta, attorney general of California, and Elaine Yan, deputy attorney general, requested the suspension given that "the appearance of the impropriety alone erodes public trust."

Scott Chaney, executive director of the CHRB, declined comment to BloodHorse Jan. 5 beyond his statement given Jan. 4 to the Los Angeles Times

"We are aware of the order, and the CHRB is in the process of determining the appropriate course of action," he told the Times. "As I said last week, I have known Dr. Blea for some time, and continue to support him in this difficult time."

Should Blea maintain his equine medical director role with the CHRB, the action by the VMD is likely to be discussed during the next CHRB meeting Jan. 20, both during the public comment period, and by commissioners during its closed session, reserved for internal matters.

The Times reported the VMB has scheduled a formal hearing Jan. 21 related to Blea with the adjudication of the charges to be held within six months to a year.