HIWU Alleges Trainer Puype Possessed Banned Substances
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Photo: Benoit Photo
Trainer Mike Puype
Multiple grade 1-winning trainer Mike Puype has been provisionally suspended following an allegation from the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit that he possessed banned substances.
HIWU, the enforcement arm of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, alleges Puype was found to possess the banned substances isoxsuprine and levothyroxine April 24. HIWU posted the allegation to its pending violations page July 19 and noted that a provisional (immediate) suspension of Puype is active. Isoxsuprine is a vasodilator and levothyroxine is a synthetic thyroid hormone.
While the post does not include where the alleged violation occurred, Puype is based in Southern California and all 77 of his starts this year have been at Santa Anita Park. Puype's horses have a 14-13-8 record this year and more than $650,000 in earnings. He has not started a horse since June 16.
BloodHorse could not immediately reach Puype July 19.
Puype's top horses in his career include two-time Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (G1T) winner Mizdirection , multiple grade 1 winner Turbulent Descent , and grade 1 winners Lord Grillo and Running Flame.