Vitali and Vazquez receive lengthy suspensions in Pennyslvania

Trainer Marcus Vitali was given a 365-day suspension by the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission in a ruling posted Jan. 27. One of Vitali’s horses, Single Lady, tested positive for d-methamphetamine.

Additionally, trainer Juan Vazquez was suspended four weeks by the Pennsylvania commission for two separate drug violations.

Vitali's positive test came after Single Lady, a 4-year-old Shanghai Bobby filly, finished first in an Aug. 26 maiden race at Presque Isle Downs. The positive test and suspension were first reported by the Paulick Report.

The suspension, plus a $10,000 fine, were appealed by Vitali according to the posted ruling, meaning they will not go into effect until the appeal is resolved. Methamphetamine is listed as a Class 1 drug with a Class A penalty in the Association of Racing Commissioners International guidelines.

Vitali's one-year suspension and $10,000 fine is the minimum punishment under ARCI model rules for such a violation. He could have been suspended up to three years and received a fine of up to $25,000 or 25 percent of the purse money, whichever amount is higher.

Vitali, who has a past filled with various medication violations, is also facing a hearing in March to determine whether he will be suspended from racing at New York Racing Association tracks.

Also recently suspended by the PHRB was trainer Juan Vasquez, who received two weeks each for two levamisole positives. The two failed tests came on Sept. 25, with Hollywood Talent in the Turf Monster (G3) at Parx, and Louie’s Wish in a waiver claiming race at the same track on Aug. 30.

The suspension for the Hollywood Talent positive will run from Monday to March 7 and the Louie’s wish ban will go from March 8 until March 22. Each suspension also carried a $500 fine.

Both horses will be barred from entering races for 90 days, beginning on Monday.

Like Vitali, Vazquez also has a lengthy history of medication violations.