Clifford said the penalties for a mepivacaine can vary, although a trainer can receive up to a 60-day suspension and $1,000 fine. "The penalties issued by the stewards is not a set formula and can vary," she said. "They look at it on a case-by-case basis, going back to the person's previous experience and history as far as other drug penalties are concerned. The stewards make their rulings based on the circumstances in that case."
Trainer Todd Pletcher is awaiting the results of a New York stewards hearing concerning a positive drug test for a horse he ran last summer at Saratoga. Tales of Glory was found to have the banned substance mepivacaine in his system after the race. Pletcher and his attorney met with stewards Dave Hicks, Carmine Donofrio, and Ted Hill June 29 at Belmont Park and a ruling is expected within days, said Stacy Clifford, spokesperson with the New York State Racing and Wagering Board.Mepivacaine, an anesthetic, is classified by the Association of Racing Commissioners International as a Class 2 drug, meaning it has a high potential to affect performance.
