None of the seven trainers or owners involved was arrested or suspended, but they could face hearings, suspensions, and fines. Officials with the state Department of Public Safety, federal Food and Drug Administration, and the Department of Racing conducted the raid after a two-month investigation.The Department of Racing Department has toughened its penalties for drug offenses beginning in 2005.
State and federal officials raided the Turf Paradise barn area Dec. 15 and found performance-enhancing substances that may have been used on racehorses.The substances were found in seven stalls or tack rooms, according to the Arizona Republic newspaper. Geoffrey Gonsher, director of the Arizona Department of Racing, wouldn't name the substances or the people involved pending completion of a report, the paper said.Some of substances wouldn't be considered illegal if they were prescribed and administered by licensed veterinarians, Gonsher told the Republic.
