Groom Who Worked for Preciado Arrested

An attorney for embattled trainer Ramon Preciado believes the arrest of one of the trainer's former grooms, Marian Vega, lends credence to Preciado's contention that his six clenbuterol positives this year were the result of sabotage.

Pennsylvania attorney general Bruce Castor Jr. announced Aug. 18 the arrest of Vega, a resident of Bucks County, Pa. following allegations that she rigged Thoroughbred races by administering a performance-enhancing drug to horses. Vega, 25, was charged with one count of rigging a publicly exhibited contest following an investigation by the Office of Attorney General's Organized Crime Section and Gaming Unit. The investigation followed an investigation by the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission.

Preciado was sanctioned for six clenbuterol positives in March and April races at Parx Racing, a timeframe in which Vega worked for Preciado. Preciado has appealed that decision and testimony before a hearing officer will continue next week.

At the time of the positives, Preciado said he would prove that a disgruntled employee had sabotaged his stable. Preciado's attorney, Alan Pincus, said Vega has admitted to that type of scenario.

Pincus said he believes the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission intends to continue to pursue the case under the “ultimate insurer rule” that puts the responsibility of what’s in the horse’s system on race day in the hands of the trainer.

“It’s every trainer’s worst nightmare to think one of your own employees would do something to get you in trouble,” Pincus said. “It’s impossible to guard against that.”

According to the criminal complaint against the groom, the investigation shows Vega clearly administered clenbuterol beyond accepted guidelines. Clenbuterol is allowed for therapeutic treatment of respiratory disease but its levels are regulated because of its potential anabolic effects.

Testing on multiple horses confirmed the presence of clenbuterol outside the permissible guidelines, investigators alleged in the criminal complaint. It is further alleged that Vega was found in possession of a bottle containing the drug during this investigation.

Vega, of Bensalem, Pa., was released from custody after her bail was set at $20,000 unsecured. A preliminary hearing is tentatively scheduled for Aug. 31.

Vega will be prosecuted by Chief Deputy Attorney General Erik Olsen of the Office of Attorney General's Organized Crime Section and Gaming Unit.

In 2015 the PHRC fined Preciado twice for clenbuterol positives and once for a dimethylsulfoxide positive. He was suspended 90 days for the first clenbuterol positive and 120 for the second, but he is appealing both of those stewards' decisions to the racing commission.