In a decision announced this week, Mouffy, a 5-year-old mare, was stripped of her victory in the $150,000 Perfect Sting Stakes at Aqueduct after testing positive for dexamethasone.
The July 4 race, part of the Belmont at the Big A meet, was impacted by this disqualification, as confirmed by the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU).
Trainer Jonathan Thomas received a $1,500 fine and 1.5 penalty points for his first violation since federal medication rules came under HIWU’s jurisdiction in May 2023.
The drug, often used to treat inflammation, violates the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority’s (HISA) guidelines. Its potential risks include increased susceptibility to laminitis, according to veterinary sources.
Thomas explained to Daily Racing Form that the positive test resulted from a labeling error that led to accidental administration.
As a result, Mouffy’s owner, Augustin Stables, must forfeit the $82,500 purse, and runner-up Midnight Mile has been declared the race’s new winner.
Despite the setback, Mouffy remains active on the track, with her recent win in Woodbine’s Dance Smartly Stakes (G2) on Oct. 5 under her belt. She is slated to compete in the Robert J. Frankel Stakes (G3) at Santa Anita this Friday.
This case underscores the growing scrutiny around medication compliance in horse racing, a sport grappling with heightened integrity standards. For stakeholders, it’s another reminder that precision is paramount in maintaining fair competition.
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