Dickinson Loses Fleet Renee Appeal

Trainer Michael Dickinson's appeal of a medication violation with Fleet Renee in the June 30, 2001 Mother Goose (gr.I) and a $250 fine was turned down Wednesday by the New York State Racing and Wagering Board during its monthly meeting in Albany.

According to board documents, following Fleet Renee's 5 1/2-length victory, the post-race urine sample showed a Salix overage more than 2 1/2 times the state's maximum limit of the drug of 100 nanograms. The split sample confirmed the original finding.   

Dickinson, who participated in the appeal process, but did not attend Wednesday's meeting, was assessed the standard fine for a first violation. The winner's share of the purse money, $150,000, was not affected.

Under New York racing law, a second Salix violation within a 12-month period carries a penalty of $500. A third violation would bring a higher fine as well as a redistribution of purse money.

Fleet Renee, bred and owned by Verne Winchell, has only raced once since her victory in the Mother Goose, finishing third in the Gazelle on Sept 8. at Belmont Park.

Fleet Renee (Seattle Slew -- Darien Miss, by Mr. Leader) has won five of eight starts in her career. Last year she also won the Ashland Stakes at Keeneland and Landaura Stakes at Laurel.