The Louisiana State Racing Commission has suspended jockey Timothy Fontenot for five years following his third positive test for a controlled dangerous substance and suspended trainer Dennis Langford for one year for a post-race positive in one of his horses.
Fontenot was initially suspended six months by stewards at Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino, and his case was referred to the LSRC for further action, resulting in the five-year suspension. The ruling stipulated that Fontenot could be considered for re-licensing after serving one-year of the suspension, contingent upon documentation of proper rehabilitation, including negative drug tests.
According to The Jockey Club Information Systems, Fontenot has ridden 405 winners from 5,349 mounts and is winless in 31 mounts over the last 30 days.
Langford was initially suspended six months after the horse he trains, Tylers Hole Shot, tested positive for the medication Tramadol following a win in the sixth race at Harrah's Louisiana Downs March 21. Tramadol is a Class 2 drug under the classifications of the Association of Racing Commissioners International.
In suspending Langford, the stewards noted the “penalty imposed is insufficient” and referred the matter to the full commission, which imposed the one-year suspension. Tylers Hole Shot was disqualified and unplaced as a result of the positive finding.