N.J. Stewards Suspend Trainers Richards, Lucas, Potts

In a series of rulings published Jan. 21 on the Association of Racing Commissioners International website, New Jersey stewards fined and/or suspended numerous trainers for infractions during last year's Monmouth Park meeting.

The stiffest penalty was issued to trainer Marvin Richards, who stewards suspended for 365 days from May 7, 2022, through May 6, 2023, after his trainee Awesomenewyear  tested positive for prohibited substances oxazepam and ibuprofen in the sixth race Sept. 3 at Monmouth Park. He was also fined $5,000.

Stewards disqualified Superstars Stables' Awesomenewyear from a first-place finish and ordered the purse of the race redistributed.

In other action, trainers Bonnie Lucas and Wayne Potts were each handed 30-day suspensions and $1,000 fines, both for conduct detrimental to racing. Their suspensions are scheduled May 7-June 5.

Further rulings noted a $1,000 fine to trainer Peter Walder after tests showed the presence of aminocaproic acid (Amicar) in Briella  after a first-place finish Sept. 4 in the seventh race, and a $500 fine to trainer Jose D'Angelo after Avenida Manana  showed the presence of 5-hydroxydantrolene Sept. 18 after the seventh race. The latter also received a 15-day suspension.

P and L Thoroughbred Racing and Walder Racing's Briella and ProRacing Stable's Avenida Manana were declared disqualified, the former from first and the latter from first.

The ARCI website did not state if any of the rulings had been appealed.