Trainer of Ky. Derby Hopeful Suspended for Drug Violations

Rudy Rodriguez was suspended and fined after flunixin was found in his horses at two races last year.
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New York state regulators have imposed a 20-day suspension and $7,500 fine on top Aqueduct Racetrack trainer Rudy Rodriguez after flunixin was found in his horses at two separate races last year.

Rodriguez came into the limelight recently when he won the March 2 Gotham Stakes with Vyjack. That was the horse’s fourth victory in as many starts and puts him on track to start in this year’s Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands.

The New York State Gaming Commission had originally imposed a 40-day suspension on Rodriguez. He will not have to serve the other 20 days if there are no other drug positives in horses he trains in the next year.

Post-race samples revealed positive findings of the drug flunixin, known by several trade names including Banamine, in Heiden, who finished first in the 11th race at Aqueduct last April 7, and Alston Gunter, who finished third in the first race at Aqueduct Nov. 21. The ruling also disqualifies the horses in those races

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Written by:

Tom Precious also writes for The Blood-Horse, sister magazine to The Horse.

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