Trainer Ruiz is suspended 4 1/2 years for drug violations

Southern California-based trainer Lorenzo Ruiz has been suspended 4 1/2 years by the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit after three horses he started this summer tested positive for the banned substance diisopropylamine, a vasodilator.   

Each of the positives occurred in late June and early July at Los Alamitos. Ruiz, who HIWU said has accepted the punishment, was also fined $37,500.

The violations occurred with the horses Kant Beat The Rock, American Cat and Facts Matter. They are each suspended from racing for 60 days. 

Kant Beat The Rock tested positive after finishing second in a starter allowance at Los Alamitos on July 4. His 60-day suspension began Aug. 3. 

American Cat tested positive after winning a $16,000 claiming race at Los Alamitos on June 25. His suspension began July 13. 

Facts Matter tested positive after winning a starter allowance at Los Alamitos on June 23. His suspension began July 24. 

Ruiz has been training since 2009. According to Equibase, he has saddled 150 winners from 800 starters.