John Brown Suspended, But Running in West Virginia

Isoxsuprine is used to treat navicular syndrome and laminitis in horses.

Trainer John Brown was suspended 18 months by the Horse Racing Integrity and Welfare Unit following a positive test for isoxsuprine in one of the horses he trains. The suspension was noted on the HIWU website July 26.

Brown also was fined $12,500.

Isoxsuprine, according to the national library of medicine, is used to treat navicular syndrome and laminitis in horses.

The horse in question, Rollin On Tequila , finished sixth in a claiming race at Thistledown May 31. As a result, the 8-year-old Country Day  gelding has been disqualified and forfeits “all purses, and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender,” according to the HIWU website. Rollin On Tequila is also suspended for 60 days effective May 31.

While most states honor suspensions, the reciprocity is not being upheld in West Virginia. Despite HIWU issuing a suspension that began June 28, Brown had a trainee, Manhattan Lady , that ran in the fourth race July 26 at Mountaineer Racetrack Casino & Resort, finishing second as the betting favorite.

Brown, who primarily races in Ohio, has raced twice at Mountaineer since May 31, but Wednesday marks the first time since the suspension and fine were handed out.

West Virginia is one of the states in litigation with the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority over the governing body’s constitutionality.

An email seeking comment from HISA was not returned as of publication.

Brown won his first race in 2014 and has amassed a record of 110-166-205 from 1,942 starts with earnings of $2,027,949. This year, he is 3-4-2 from 39 starts and $61,522 in earnings.