Before a commission hearing officer, the owner admitted he did not tell Deaton he added Prozac to a vitamin supplement being administered to the 8-year-old gelding Explodo Red, who tested positive after a race at Turfway Park on Feb. 17.Deaton's suspension had been upheld by the commission on June 26.The commission next meets on Sept. 24, at which time the hearing officer's recommendations will be made.
A Kentucky Thoroughbred owner, Dr. Joseph Kutz, agreed Thursday to a hefty fine and the doubling of his suspension after admitting that he gave Prozac to one of his horses.Because under the Kentucky rules of racing a trainer is ultimately responsible, the commission had previously upheld trainer Bill Deaton's 150-day suspension.Kutz, a renowned hand surgeon in Louisville, Ky., agreed to a $25,000 fine and an additional 30 day suspension. His original suspension was 30 days.
