Fair Hill-based trainer Angel Quiroz has been charged with a banned substance violation by the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit following a positive test result for albuterol found in 4-year-old filly Bonita Rough.
Quiroz is one of two trainers, along with Ernesto Ochoa, being investigated by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (specifically its enforcement arm, HIWU) into the performances of at least five horses that had been training at Fair Hill ahead of their races Aug. 9. A dramatic turnaround in the horses' form that produced two wins at Saratoga Race Course and two at Monmouth Park, along with some questionable betting patterns associated with those races, prompted the investigation.
While Bonita Rough was not one of the horses who competed in the races that are receiving extra scrutiny, HIWU reports that the finding follows a July 10 test.
Quiroz won at Monmouth with The Great Amira, who won by 9 lengths at odds of 17-1. In the next race, he won with Tepeyac, who won by half a length at nearly 4-1.
Ochoa saddled Saratoga winners Classic Rock and M B's Melanie Cares, who won by 8 3/4 lengths and 3 1/2 lengths, respectively, with both leading at almost every point of call. Classic Rock went off at 8-1, and M B's Melanie Cares at more than 12-1.
Racing Post reported Aug. 12 that these horses were involved in an apparent British betting coup that placed bets in 10 different bookmaker shops, according to Paul Binfield, representing Paddy Power. Six horses were reportedly involved, including a horse that ran second at Colonial Downs.
READ: British Betting Coup Tied to Fair Hill Controversy
Bonita Rough is a full sister to Bravo Rough, a horse previously trained by Quiroz and entered with a new trainer in the second race Aug. 10 at Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort. While HISA currently has no jurisdiction in West Virginia, it contacted the West Virginia Racing Commission to note that Bravo Rough had similar connections to the horses involved in the Aug. 9 races at Saratoga and Monmouth. Stewards scratched Bravo Rough in the paddock.
Quiroz has been notified about the albuterol positive for Bonita Rough, who was tested while on the vets' list. The positive is associated with the injectable version of this medication that is used to control bronchospasm and bronchoconstriction. Albuterol administered by any route other than inhalation is considered a banned substance because the drug has been abused as a way to build muscle mass and, consequently, is an Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program violation at any concentration.
The trainer waived the opportunity to have the B sample analyzed and did not provide sufficient explanation for the positive test, according to HIWU.
Quiroz is now entitled to a hearing before an arbitrator.
Any recent test results for any additional horses trained by Quiroz will be disclosed in accordance with HISA's ADMP rules.
Neither HIWU nor HISA would provide further comment because of the ongoing investigation.
