New York fines and suspends Pletcher for medication overage

A month to the day after the New York State Gaming Commission released a ruling disqualifying Forte from the Grade 1 Hopeful for a meloxicam overage, the commission has levied another fine and suspension against trainer Todd Pletcher for a positive test.

The ruling, dated Sunday, cites an overage of phenylbutazone, a pain reliever commonly called bute, in a post-race test for Capensis following a Saratoga allowance on July 30. According to a report by Thoroughbred Daily News, this ruling marked the sixth positive test in the last year for a horse trained by Pletcher. The commission levied a 14-day suspension as well as a $2,000 fine against Pletcher. The ruling, available on the commission's website, notes that Pletcher has appealed.

In addition to the sanctions agianst Pletcher, the ruling disqualifies Capensis from his sixth-place finish in a turf-route allowance on July 30. Sent off the even-money favorite, Capensis was beaten only 1 3/4 lengths after a wide trip in his first start against winners.

The son of Tapit, who sold for $2 million as a yearling in 2020, is owned by a partnership that includes Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Robert V. LaPenta, Gainesway Stable, Winchell Thoroughbreds and Stonestreet Stables.

After the Saratoga allowance, Capensis won the Virginia Derby (G3) in his next start on Sept. 6. He has not raced since but has worked regularly in New York since May 21, including a Monday morning drill on the Saratoga turf training track.