Mouffy fails drug test, is stripped of stakes win at Aqueduct

A positive drug test led to the disqualification this week of 5-year-old Mouffy as the winner of the listed, $150,000 Perfect Sting Stakes on July 4 during the Belmont at the Big A meet, the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit reported on its website.

The resolution dated Thursday was reported first by Daily Racing Form.

Trainer Jonathan Thomas was fined $1,500 and given 1 1/2 penalty points for his first offense since HIWU took on federal enforcement of medication rules in May 2023.

Mouffy, an Uncle Mo mare, was found to have had dexamethasone in her system, a violation of Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority rules. An article posted last year on the Horse Sport website said dexamethasone may be used to reduce inflammation, especially in the lungs. Side effects include a greater likelihood of laminitis.

Thomas told DRF’s David Grening that Mouffy accidentally was treated with the medication because of an error on the drug label.

Augustin Stables, the owner of Mouffy, will have to give back the $82,500 first prize after a demotion to last place in the field of five. Runner-up Midnight Mile will be promoted to first place in the one-mile turf race for older fillies and mares.

The Oct. 5 winner of the Dance Smartly (G2) at Woodbine, Mouffy is entered in Friday’s Robert J. Frankel Stakes (G3) at Santa Anita.