Owner/Trainers Marvin, Christy Johnson Suspended a Year

Owner/trainer Marvin Johnson and his wife, assistant trainer Christy Johnson, were suspended Oct. 22 by the Indiana Horse Racing Commission for one year and fined $5,000. 

Marvin Johnson's suspension dates to July 4, when he and veterinarian Dr. Cynthia Loomis were summarily suspended for "actions not in the best interests of racing and which compromise the integrity of operations" at Horseshoe Indianapolis. Christy Johnson's suspension began Oct. 4.

The IHRC in its ruling found that the Johnsons had allowed Loomis to administer adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) to two of their horses, Justa Doll  and Overthetopjustice , who were entered in races later that day. ACTH, a prohibited foreign substance, is used to stimulate adrenal glands to release cortisol, a steroid hormone.

The Johnsons are prohibited from having access to any grounds and facilities under IHRC jurisdiction. Additionally, the stewards found the violations to be grounds for sanctions.

The stewards have referred the case to the full IHRC commission for "review and consideration of additional penalties that may exceed the statutory limitations of the Stewards' authority," according to the IHRC ruling.

Attempts for comment from the Johnsons were unsuccessful. The IHRC did not respond to a request for more information on the case as well as the status of any ruling involving Loomis.