Indiana Racing Commission Suspends Vet Russell for 20 Years

Ross Russell, DVM, was suspended and fined $20,000 for allegedly administering cobalt to a horse before a race and several other offenses.
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An Indiana veterinarian charged with administering cobalt to a horse before a race and several other offenses has been suspended for 20 years and fined $20,000 by the Indiana Horse Racing Commission (IHRC).

The Indianapolis Star reports that the recommended suspension of veterinarian Ross Russell, DVM, is the longest in the state from a single investigation. The penalties were in line with the recommendation of IHRC executive director Joe Gorajec in a 38-page report. That report alleged Russell knowingly dispensed unauthorized drugs on race day.

"Dr. Ross Russell is a veterinarian whose ethical compass is broken," the report said. "He embodies the worst stereotypes of a racetrack practitioner. Dr. Russell is willing, if not eager, to knowingly dispense unauthorized drugs and loaded syringes for illicit race-day administration. He will take extraordinary steps to protect his practice, no matter how unethical.

"Dr. Russell has had treatment records and billing statements altered. He has ineptly attempted to blame a former employee for his wrongdoing. In addition, he has lied to the commission staff multiple times during the course of its investigation

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The Blood-Horse is the leading weekly publication devoted to international Thoroughbred racing and breeding. Since 1916, the staff of The Blood-Horse has served the Thoroughbred community with the highest standards of journalistic excellence to provide comprehensive and timely editorial coverage and analysis.

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