Rodney Stewart, DVM, who was suspended five years by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission for violating various medication violations, including possession of cobra venom, has been granted a stay of that action until his appeal can be heard, according to a ruling by a Franklin (Kentucky) Circuit Court judge.

In a ruling in favor of the request filed by attorneys Mike Meuser, Michelle Hurley and Karen Murphy on behalf of Stewart, Circuit Judge Philip J. Shepherd cited the fact that Stewart has already surrendered his license to practice veterinary medicine in Kentucky as part of the reason for granting the stay. By having the suspension take effect before the appeal is heard, Stewart would be precluded from practicing in other states or his native Australia by virtue of reciprocity rules, Shepherd said