Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet
Patrick Biancone suspended for one year

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 5, 2007) – Kentucky racing stewards have suspended thoroughbred trainer Patrick Biancone for one year for numerous violations of the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority’s (KHRA) medication regulations.

The suspension was ordered following an investigation into items seized during a June 22, 2007, search of three of Biancone’s barns at Keeneland Race Course. The vehicle of Biancone’s veterinarian, Dr. Rodney Stewart, was also searched the same day.

Biancone was suspended for one year for possession on the grounds of Keeneland Race Course of three sealed vials of Alpha-Cobratoxin, a Class A medication under the KHRA Uniform Drug and Medication Classification Schedule.  The Alpha Cobratoxin was in a red bag in Biancone’s refrigerator labeled with Stewart’s name.

Biancone was also suspended for a variety of violations relating to the possession of medications without proper labeling and possession of injectables.  He received 30 days for each violation involving injectables and 30 days for the labeling violations.  These suspensions may be served concurrently with the one year he is suspended for the Alpha-Cobratoxin violation. 

Biancone was also found to have violated a Kentucky regulation that requires him to report violations of the medication rules by Stewart.  The stewards decided after their hearing that Biancone had reason to believe that Stewart was in possession of Alpha-Cobratoxin upon the grounds of Keeneland on June 22, 2007, a violation of the Kentucky regulations.  Biancone failed to report that violation to the KHRA veterinarian or the stewards as is required by the Kentucky regulation. 

The penalty for nonreporting is a one-year suspension.  The suspension for nonreporting may be served concurrently with the one year Biancone is suspended for the Alpha-Cobratoxin violation and for the suspensions imposed for the labeling and possession of injectables violations.  Biancone’s suspension shall become effective on Oct. 15, 2007.

“The Kentucky Horse Racing Authority is committed to ensuring the highest level of integrity for Kentucky’s signature industry and sport,” said Lisa Underwood, executive director of the KHRA.   “The stewards’ ruling sends a clear message to all industry stakeholders and participants that violations of this nature will not be tolerated.”

Stewart was suspended for a total of five years for possession of three sealed vials of Alpha-Cobratoxin, Carbidopa and Levodopa, both of which are Class A medications under the KHRA Uniform Drug and Medication Classification Schedule, as well as a variety of violations relating to the possession of medications without proper labeling and a reporting violation.  Stewart’s suspension is under appeal.  Stewart is also currently under suspension by the racing stewards for failing to cooperate in a KHRA investigation.

The investigation by the KHRA regarding the search of Biancone’s barns and Stewart’s vehicle is ongoing.