Trainer Dale Romans is to begin serving a seven-day suspension Feb. 13 stemming from a positive test on one of his horses for phenylbutazone after a race last November at Aqueduct, Daily Racing Form reports.
Last year's Preakness Stakes (gr. I) winner with Shackleford had his suspension reduced from 10 days after agreeing to waive his right to appeal the decision. The 45-year-old Romans was also fined $1,000 by the New York State Racing and Wagering Board, DRF reported.
Phenylbutazone, or "Bute," is a commonly used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory used to treat pain.
Free Brave, the horse in question, finished second in a $10,000 claiming race on the turf at Aqueduct Nov. 19. As a result of the positive test, Free Brave was disqualified and owner Marc Holliday was required to forfeit the $4,200 second-place purse, according to DRF.
Romans was not in New York at the time, but is still liable under the trainer’s responsibility rule. Romans currently has horses based in New York and Florida.