Sweet Miss El tested positive for the substance after she finished fifth in a Dec. 29, 2005, claiming race at the Northern Kentucky track. Trainer Wilson Vittur has appealed a 10-day suspension and $500 fine after his horse Easy Grades tested positive for desmethylpyrilamine in an Oct. 9, 2005, race at Keeneland. Veitch said desmethylpyrilamine is an antihistamine that increases circulation and is usually used for horses that have problems with their feet. In another ruling, Turfway stewards fined Dr. Charles Kidder $5,000 after Haley's Lass was claimed by Michael Tomlinson on Kidder's behalf $15,000 Dec. 30 at Turfway Park. Kidder then sold her during the Keeneland January mixed sale for $50,000. Under Kentucky regulations, a horse that has been claimed cannot be sold for 30 days unless it comes in another claiming race.
A pair of Kentucky trainers were issued fines and suspensions after horses in their care tested positive for banned substances following races at Turfway Park and Keeneland, according to John Veitch, chief state steward. Greg Foley, who leads the trainer standings at Turfway Park with 19 wins from 76 starts and earnings of $319,335, was suspended 10 days and fined $500 by Turfway stewards after Sweet Miss El tested positive for acepromazine, a tranquilizer that can be used for training but is not permitted for racing. Foley's suspension began March 5 and runs through March 14.