“Probably Go Through a Meditation”: Co-owner of Prominent Horse Racing Stallion Prepares for Legal Showdown After NYSGC’s Penalties

The horse racing world can never look past the ebb and flow of equine and athlete fortunes. Having said that, a legendary horse faced a hard blow, as he missed his hard earned victory. In the Hopeful Stakes (G1), after testing positive for meloxicam, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, the equine got disqualified. But there’s more to the story than meets the eye.

Not just the disqualification, even trainer Todd Pletcher was handed a $1000 fine and 10 days’ suspension. New York State Gaming Commission had issued the ruling, followed by several controversies swirling the situation. Now, after six or seven months, the appeal process has resurfaced with hopeful notes, with tireless legal battles to salvage the stallion.

Horse racing personality Repole Stable rallies for support

Following a contentious drug test, Repole’s beloved equine was ruled out. Now, after the case lingered for months, Repole finally opened up. He said, “I don’t even know if it’s going to be called a lawsuit. If the gaming commission is ‘smart,’ they probably should go through a mediation where somebody just hears the case, and somebody can just tell them that they’re foolish and just let it go.”

The frustration in his voice was clear, mostly because they filed their case in July. In September, the New York Commission said that the case remains as it is. Moreover, this week on Monday, the unanimous vote asserted an acceptance of the recommendation. Repole further said, “It’s a Mickey Mouse appeal process. We were hoping, actually, that they would have made a decision earlier so we can decide what our next steps are, but we plan on taking it to the next step.”

But the CEO of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, Lisa Lazarus, has stood by Repole. As according to HISA, if an equine has 500 picograms of meloxicam per milliliter, it can pass unidentified. On this topic, Repole had some statements placed.

Repole’s point of view

Speaking of HISA, he said, “This is a non-violation under HISA. One more time, this is a non-violation.” His hopeful statement reads something like this: “We’ll take it further. I’m sure cooler heads will prevail.” He also said that he would spend $20 million to fight for the horse, if required. Though the NYGSC should work according to a hearing officer’s recommendation, they’re not bound to.

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As per scientific explanation, a miniscule presence of meloxicam does not affect performance. So, keeping all these in mind, Repole wishes to take the case forward. Forte, champion 2-year-old male of great revere, clinched the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile victory last year. His current earnings stand at $3,029,830, and with a record of 10: 7-1-0, he retired this fall. Kentucky’s Spendthrift Farm welcomes Forte as he kicks off his breeding career soon.

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