Trainer Carlos Lopez has been handed a three-year suspension after his horses, Major Lloyd and Emperor’s Gold, tested positive for banned substances. The two horses were disqualified after finishing first and second in a race at Mahoning Valley on February 13. Lopez was also fined for the violations.
Background of the Suspension
The suspension comes after Lopez’s horses, Major Lloyd and Emperor’s Gold, both tested positive for diisopropylamine, a banned substance. The horses had been part of a $4,000 claiming race on February 13, where Major Lloyd won and Emperor’s Gold finished in second, separated by just a neck. After the positive tests, both horses were disqualified from the race, and the prize money was ordered to be forfeited.
The ruling was reported by Eric Mitchell of BloodHorse and confirmed by the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU). According to the published resolution document, Lopez’s provisional suspension started on March 27, 2024. His first 18-month suspension is related to Emperor’s Gold, lasting until September 26, 2025. The second suspension, for Major Lloyd, runs from September 27, 2025, to March 26, 2027.
What is Diisopropylamine?
Diisopropylamine, the substance found in both horses’ samples, is classified by HIWU as a vasodilator. This chemical can be used to lower blood pressure, but studies show it can also improve muscle performance by increasing the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles. This ability to improve exercise performance makes it a banned substance in racing, as it gives the horses an unfair advantage.
Consequences for the Horses
Both Major Lloyd and Emperor’s Gold were affected by these positive tests. Major Lloyd, after being disqualified, was declared ineligible to race again until he tested negative for the substance in an out-of-competition test. Emperor’s Gold was also disqualified, but the ruling did not include any further stipulations for his future participation. Unfortunately, Emperor’s Gold died in 2024 after being pulled up during a race at Mahoning Valley.
Implications of the Suspension
This suspension serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity and fairness in horse racing. Trainer Lopez’s three-year ban underscores the sport’s commitment to preventing the use of substances that can unfairly enhance a horse’s performance. This ruling also highlights the efforts of organizations like the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit in maintaining a level playing field for all participants.
Trainer Carlos Lopez’s three-year suspension is a significant development in the horse racing industry. The use of banned substances like diisopropylamine is taken very seriously, and this case highlights how regulatory bodies are working to ensure fair competition. For trainers and horse owners, it’s a reminder to always follow the rules to maintain the integrity of the sport. While Major Lloyd’s career is on hold, and Emperor’s Gold has passed away, this decision shows that fairness and safety are at the forefront of horse racing efforts.
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