Trainer Block Fined, Suspended for Class A Violation

Trainer Chris Block has been suspended and fined by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission after one of his horses tested positive for a Class A substance.

The penalties stem from the Oct. 7, 2022 Jessamine Stakes (G2T) at Keeneland in which Knockyoursocksoff  tested positive for the sedative temazepam after finishing second, five lengths back of Delight  but just a neck ahead of Bling .

Block, in a statement, said that he was "stunned and disappointed to learn" Knockyoursocksoff tested positive. He said, "I most certainly did not provide her with a drug that is used by prescription as a human sleeping aid."

The positive test was noticed by the University of Kentucky Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory and confirmed by the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratorγ.

Block added, "I conducted an exhaustive inquiry into how the horse might have encountered temazepam, but found no clear answer. I strongly feel she came into contact with the substance in her environment. Indeed, such cases of environmental contamination appear to be on the rise as testing becomes highly precise and is flagging trace elements. But given the range of possibilities, environmental contamination is nearly impossible to prove."

In a ruling dated April 21, the KHRC suspended Block 45 days—with 25 being stayed—and fined him $500. The 20 days of the suspension Block will serve will be from May 7-26. The days that are stayed are contingent upon Block not being assessed a Class A or B medication violation for one year from the date of the ruling.

Block said following months of "investigation and reflection" he decided to accept the penalties handed down by the KHRC.

The stewards disqualified Knockyoursocksoff, owned by Town and Country Racing, and all of the purse money ($63,875) was forfeited. The ruling states that during his suspension, Block is "denied the privileges of all facilities under the jurisdiction" of the KHRC and entry of all horses owned or trained by him is "denied pending transfer to persons acceptable to the stewards."

"I regret that my reputation might be called into question in any fashion. But I take comfort in knowing that my clients, including the owner of Knockyoursocksoff, retain full confidence in my integrity and ability," Block said.

As a result of the disqualification, Bling was placed second, with Sabalenka  moved up to third.

The 3-year-old Kitten's Joy  filly was bred by Zayat Stables.