Kentucky suspends Sharp for 30 days after levamisole positives

Trainer Joe Sharp could spend much of February on the sidelines after being suspended for 30 days, according to stewards’ rulings listed on the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission website.

Matt Hegarty of the Daily Racing Form reported that five of Sharp's runners tested positive for levamisole late in 2019 after being warned not to use the de-worming medication. Levamisole can be used therapeutically, but it is known to metabolize into aminorex, which is a stimulant.

Each of the five runners tested positive at Churchill Downs during November. The Sharp barn had a total of 15 horses test positive on the year in Louisiana and Kentucky.

Blackberry Wine was one of his horses that stirred up controversy while trying to make it on the Kentucky Derby Trail. 

The talented son of Oxbow broke maiden in his fourth start by 5 3/4 lengths. After running third in his next start, he won an allowance race at Fair Grounds and competed in the Risen Star. He later was disqualified from both of his wins for failed tests, making him a maiden once more.

On March 14, the horse who already had crossed the finish line twice was allowed to compete in a maiden race once more and won by 13 lengths.

He is now in the Jack Sisterson barn and recently finished second in the Louisiana Stakes (G3).

Sharp's suspension would begin on Feb. 12 and run through March 13, but is unlikely to start on time after Sharp appealed his suspension on Tuesday. If the suspension remains, he will not be allowed to transfer his horses to another barn during that time without prior approval from the stewards.