Indiana Immediately Suspends Two Licensees
Description:
The Indiana Horse Racing Commission has summarily suspended a licensed veterinarian and assistant trainer/owner for an alleged illegal race-day injection of a 3-year-old filly before a Friday, Sept. 19, maiden race at Indiana Grand Racecourse.
According to reports from IHRC stewards, the decision immediately suspending veterinarian Ross Russell, D.V.M., and assistant trainer/owner Richard Estvanko was made Sept. 20 after an alleged Sept. 19 injection "other than Lasix on race day of Tam Tuff." Captain Jack Racing Stable's Tam Tuff, who is trained by Anthony Granitz, finished second to Lovin Lady in the Sept. 19, 5 1/2-furlong maiden special weight race for Indiana-bred fillies and mares.
Like most racing states, the only medication permitted to be administered on race day in Indiana is furosemide (Salix, or commonly called Lasix).
Because IHRC considers the alleged injection to be "actions that constitute an immediate danger to the public health, safety, or welfare, or are not in the best interest of racing, or compromise the integrity of operations at the track or satellite facility," the stewards immediately began the suspensions pending an Oct. 1 hearing for both individuals.
Russell and Estvanko will not be permitted at facilities in the IHRC jurisdiction before the 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 1 hearing date at the Indiana Grand steward's office.