Trainers fined, suspended for drug violations

A wave of regulatory rulings this week in the North American harness racing scene, as several prominent trainers face fines, suspensions, and horse disqualifications following positive post-race drug tests and conduct violations.

Yonkers & Red Mile Under Scrutiny

At Yonkers Raceway, trainer Andrew Adamczyk was fined $250 after his horse Manferno, who initially finished second on August 11, tested positive for Ranitidine above the permitted threshold. The horse was subsequently disqualified and placed 8th, with all purse money forfeited. Adamczyk waived his rights to a hearing or appeal.

At The Red Mile, other high-profile cases emerged:

• Tony Alagna received a 30-day suspension (Sept 22 – Oct 21, 2025) and a $1,000 fine after his runner Simply Perfect tested well over the limit for Albuterol (32.5 ng/mL vs. the 1 ng/mL threshold). The 2nd-place finisher was disqualified and placed 7th, and the $19,375 purse must be returned. A split sample confirmed the violation.

• Burlin Brower was handed a $1,500 fine for dual overages of Dexamethasone and Flunixin in his horse Whiskey Wow, who finished first on August 13. The horse was disqualified and placed 7th, with the $7,500 purse to be redistributed. Brower declined a split sample and did not appeal.

More Violations Across Indiana, Pennsylvania, and New York

In Indiana, Tabatha De Long‘s horse Winning Machine tested positive for Glycopyrrolate after placing second at the Clinton County Fair on August 1. De Long was fined $1,000, and the horse’s purse money was forfeited.

At Harrah’s Philadelphia, Noel Daley was fined $1,000 after a used syringe (without a needle) was found in his truck during a barn search on September 5. Daley has ten days to appeal the ruling to the Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission.

In Ohio, Russell Thomas Jr. was fined $250 for falsifying his 2025 license application by failing to disclose a prior arrest. The original fine of $500 was reduced after Thomas waived his right to a hearing.

Unsportsmanlike Conduct in the Paddock

Two separate incidents occurred on August 25 at Yonkers Raceway, resulting in fines for profane or offensive language:

• Thomas Ceraso Jr. was fined $250 for using inappropriate language toward another licensee in the paddock.

• Brian Wallach was also fined $250 for a similar incident.

Officials warned both individuals that repeat violations could result in suspension.

To view all the full FAS Rulings this week in full, click here.

by Harnesslink Media