Racehorse tests positive for meth

A racehorse tested positive for meth after winning their race in Ohio. Now PETA wants the rider banned for life.

Gardy’s Legacy, an 8-year-old Bay Gelding, submitted to a blood test after winning a September 3 race at MGM Northfield Park. The test came back positive for D-methamphetamine, a Class 1 Category A offense per a U.S. Trotting Association bulletin. As a result, Gardy’s Legacy was disqualified, while trainer Samuel Schillaci was suspended for one year, forced to return the $4,500 in winnings and pay a $1,000 fine.

PETA, however, did not think that was enough. In a letter sent to the Ohio State Racing Commission, the animal activism organization called for a lifetime ban for Schillaci.

“This small administrative fine and suspension aren’t commensurate with such a serious violation,” Kathy Guillermo, senior vice president of PETA’s Equine Matters Department wrote in a letter. “Administering meth endangers a horse’s life, and trainers who treat a horse so callously will do the same to others, too. The commission should consider not only the safety of Gardys Legacy A but also that of all the other horses in Schillaci’s barn.

“Your commitment to upholding the highest standards of ethics and safety within the state is crucial. Those who demonstrate such cruelty even one time show a clear disregard for the regulations and shouldn’t be granted the privilege of competing in your state ever again. By permanently barring Schillaci from competing in Ohio, you would create a safer environment for all participants.”

Doping in horse racing has surprisingly been a problem for centuries, dating as far back as Roman times. Saliva tests were first implemented in 1912, looking to find substances like caffeine, cocaine, and morphine in horses.

In 2020, Congress passed the Horseracing Safety and Integrity Act, standardizing medication and safety rules across all American horseracing. The United States Anti-Doping Agency was put in charge of all testing and medication violations.