Gaines-Trained Horses Scratched by Santa Anita Stewards

Three of trainer Carla Gaines' horses were scratched from the Jan. 11 card at Santa Anita Park just after the second race went official.

Journal Entry was scratched from the fourth race, a maiden special weight event for older fillies and mares on the grass, and both Lucky Stepper and Lucky Lately were scratched out of the ninth race, a state-bred maiden special weight even down the hillside turf course. Both were scratched by the California Horse Racing Board stewards at Santa Anita, but the stewards would not disclose detailed reasoning for the scratches, other than that they were for "medication."

Gaines said the horses were scratched because they were given ulcer treatment Gastrogard, which is not allowed on race days. She said her foreman gave the horses the treatment by mistake Friday, but wasn't sure how the stewards became aware of it.

"Our main concern is the health of our horses, and ulcers are a big focus," Gaines said. "It was a mistake by one of my staff."

CHRB equine medical director Rick Arthur would not comment on the specific case, but confirmed any medication other than furosemide (Lasix) is not allowed on race day.

"No medication is allowed on race day, except for furosemide, and only in horses on the authorized bleeder list," Arthur said.