Trainer Jose Corrales Suspended Two Years Over Banned Substance

An arbitrator determined that trainer Jose Corrales is responsible for Curlene’s Spirit testing positive for nikethamide after winning at Laurel Park, leading the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit to impose a $10,000 fine and a two-year suspension.

Curlene's Spirit Loses Victory After Banned Substance Test

The Feb. 20 claiming race victory at Laurel Park has been officially overturned. Curlene’s Spirit was disqualified, stripping owners Barak Farm and Sharon Dodgen of $20,700 in earnings. Under the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority’s Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program, nikethamide is categorized as both a stimulant and a banned substance.

Investigators searched the barn’s feed and supplements following the test results and found no banned substances on the premises. Beyond the nikethamide violation, Curlene’s Spirit also faces a pending controlled medication violation for caffeine originating from the exact same race date.

Arbitrator Rejects Trainer Defense of Third Party Contamination

In official documents posted on the HIWU website, Corrales denied administering the banned substance or directing any staff member to do so. The trainer argued that his Laurel barn remains accessible to anyone on the grounds at Laurel Park, suggesting third-party contamination or a contaminated product caused the positive test.

Arbitrator John Wendt rejected the defense. The ruling established the positive as a strict liability offense, noting that Corrales failed to prove how the substance entered the horse’s system, which is a mandatory requirement for reducing the penalty.

Corrales Requests Jury Trial Following Arbitration Ruling

Following the decision, Corrales and his attorney, Richard Hackerman, requested a jury trial. The Maryland-based conditioner has accumulated 727 Thoroughbred victories as a trainer throughout his career, highlighted by a pair of graded contests with Something Awesome in 2018. His trainees have made 4,997 starts and generated more than $20 million in purse earnings. Corrales rode more than 1,000 winners as a jockey in the United States.

Disclaimer: The insights provided in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or sports betting recommendations.