Citing a post-race test showing the presence of two non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, stewards at Oaklawn Park have stripped Win Willy of his $90,000 winning purse in this year's Razorback Handicap (gr. III). Trainer McLean Robertson has been fined $1,000 in connection with the incident.
According to the ruling from the Arkansas Racing Commission, Win Willy tested positive for phenylabutazone/oxyphenbutazone and for flunixen, both NSAIDS. Under the state’s rules of racing, only one NSAID is permitted on race day.
A 4-year-old son of Monarchos, Win Willy rallied to win the March 6 Razorback by 3 3/4 lengths for the Jer-Mar Stables of Jerome and Martha Myers.
The ruling states that the stewards considered "mitigating circumstances" in arriving at the penalty against Robertson and the purse redistribution. As a result, the first-place purse will now be awarded to Spotsgone and all other finishers will be advance one position for the purposes of purses.
A spokeswoman for the commission said the owners and trainer have not appealed the decision.