Two Kentucky trainers received 180-day suspensions because their runners tested positive for the Class I substance O-desmethyltramadol, which has an analgesic effect, in 2009.
According to Feb. 4 rulings by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, Ward Dean and Robert Watkins, both listed as owner/trainers, were suspended. Ward waived his right to a formal hearing, while a stewards’ hearing was held for Watkins.
Both are suspended from Feb. 15-Aug. 13, the KHRC said.
The Dean-trained Dreamintowin tested positive for the drug after the third race at Keeneland Oct. 23. The Watkins-trained Cajun Mon tested positive after the sixth race at Turfway Park Oct. 7.
Entry of any horses owned or trained by Dean and Watkins is denied “pending transfer to persons acceptable to the stewards,” the rulings state.
O-desmethyltramadol is a major metabolite of Tramadol, which is used to treat moderate to moderately severe pain in humans.