Stewards at Ellis Park have suspended trainer James E. Mattingly for 90 days after a horse he trained tested positive for two prohibited substances and he was found in possession of syringes and hypodermic needles.
Mattingly, who did not appeal the penalty, will be suspended from Sept. 15 through Dec. 15.
According to the rulings from the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, Theres Always Hope tested positive for Pyrilamine and Norpsendoephedrine, both Class B substances, following the fourth race at Ellis Park on Aug. 8. Sent off as the 7-2 second choice, Theres Always Hope won the $5,000 claiming event by 1 ½ lengths. The filly was disqualified and placed last following the positive test and Mattingly was suspended 60 days.
Chief state steward John Veitch said a search of Mattingly’s barn turned up syringes and hypodermic needles, which led to a 90-day suspension. Because Mattingly did not appeal the rulings, Veitch said stewards decided to let him serve the suspensions concurrently.
According to Equibase, Mattingly has been represented by 69 winners, which is 7% of his 949 starters, since 1994. Theres Always Hope was his only winner from 15 starters for the period from Aug. 8 through Sept. 6.