Trainer Vazquez Granted Stay of Suspension

Trainer Juan Carlos Vazquez has been granted a stay after appealing a 30-day suspension by the Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission. The suspension was a result of two of his trainees testing positive for levamisole, a drug that can metabolize into two central nervous system stimulants in horses, after winning races at Parx Racing in August and September of 2021.

Vazquez was scheduled to start his suspension Feb. 21.

MITCHELL: Vazquez Suspended 30 Days, Two Horses Banned 90 Days

Without the stay, racing jurisdictions in the United States and Canada would have been obligated to honor the suspension handed down in Pennsylvania.

Vazquez ran Double B Racing Stables' Phenomenal Woman  in the ninth race Feb. 19 at Aqueduct Racetrack, a maiden claiming event for older New York-bred fillies and mares running with a $25,000 tag. The filly finished fifth as the 5-2 favorite. Vazquez ran two horses at the New York Racing Association track Feb. 18 and entered three on the Feb. 24 card at the Big A.

"Since Juan Vazquez was granted a stay of the Pennsylvania suspension, he retains his license to participate in New York. In the July decision (involving NYRA's temporary suspension of trainer Bob Baffert), and in subsequent rulings, the court was clear that NYRA is required to provide adequate due process prior to revoking privileges to participate at NYRA tracks. To refuse entries or prohibit Mr. Vazquez from accessing the property, for example, are actions that NYRA could take against a licensed trainer only after he is provided satisfactory due process," said NYRA spokesperson Pat McKenna. "That process is deliberative and not immediate, which is why Juan Vazquez is permitted to participate at NYRA while he appeals his suspension in Pennsylvania. Any suspension handed down in Pennsylvania will be reciprocally implemented in New York and Vazquez will be suspended from participating in all racing activities at NYRA tracks for the duration of the suspension. NYRA is gathering information that could inform a statement of charges and subsequent hearing, should that be required."

Vazquez, who has been training since 2006, won nine of 52 starts this year prior to Saturday with earnings of $349,478. He has raced at Aqueduct and Parx, and entered Saturday third in wins at the current Aqueduct meet with 12. He has won with 31% of his starters at the Big A meet (12 of 39).

Vazquez has faced a number of drug positives since 2017 when he was denied all privileges of the American Stud Book in April 2017 for a year after violating a racing statute, rule, or regulation relating to prohibited or restricted drugs, medications, or substances in a Thoroughbred on four occasions within a 365-day period.