Trainer Doug O'Neill Suspended

Doug O'Neill, trainer of Derby & Preakness winner I'll Have Another, has been suspended for 180 days by the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB). The suspension stems from a 2010 race where his horse tested positive for elevated TCO2, an indicator of "milkshaking," a banned practice.

O'Neill denied the "milkshaking" allegations, and the CHRB agreed that the evidence was not strong enough to prove any wrongdoing. However, the rule in the state of California says that horses must not test above a certain threshold for TCO2, and suspension is required when that occurs.

O'Neill will serve 45 days, with the remaining 135 days stayed for 18 months. He was also hit with a $15,000 fine. 

The suspension will not affect I'll Have Another's Triple Crown run, as it is not slated to go into effect until after July 1.

More to come...