Kentucky Derby (G1)-winning coach Eric Reed was handed a manager’s ruling on February 1 that ordered a 5-day suspension of enforcement from February 10-14 and a $1,000 fine. Judgment follows a horse in his care, Golden Text tested positive for phenylbutazone after the fourth race on January 19 at Race Park.
Reed told BloodHorse on Feb. 2: “We inject bute on Tuesday noon before the horse runs because he’s one of those horses that don’t like injections. know or have any dealings with mouth patches. When I got the call from Barbara (Borden), I was trying to figure out how it happened, especially since it came about 56 hours before the race.”
5 years old danza gelding was disqualified after finishing first in a $28,000 1 1/16 mile claim race for owner/breeder Jackie Willoughby Jr. He tested positive for 0.62 mcg/ml by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.
Reed added: “I spoke to several veterinarians and I called Dr. Hunt at Hagyard (Equestrian Health Institute.) Dr. Hunt made it clear to me that absorption from the oral route takes a lot of time. longer time than some other types, which also means it stayed in their system longer than others.There is no reason to argue or argue because I gave the bute horse orally. me, it’s right or wrong, and I know I gave bute.”
Reed has waived his right to a formal hearing, as has owner Willoughby, and all money in the bag will be forfeited. The ruling does not affect pari-mutuel betting. Golden Text was scheduled to be transferred to new owners, Steve Robbins and coach, Matthew Sims, after being claimed $15,000 during the January 19 race. However, the claim is has been disabled.
“One of my close friends, Jack Willoughby, owned the horse, so I was very interested. I had a bad test with him, and he’s such a good friend,” Reed said. “He didn’t want to lose his horse the night he was announced, so it was a bit of happiness in a bad situation. I apologize to Jack from the bottom of my heart and I apologize to the industry for letting it happen. like this .”
Phenylbutazone, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, is legal under KHRC rules as long as it is out of the horse’s system on race day. Classified as a Class C drug, phenylbutazone is believed to be less likely to affect performance in equestrians than a Class A or B drug. The KHRC guidelines recommend that riders administer phenylbutazone intravenously. Follow the dosage indicated on the manufacturer’s label up to 48 hours prior to the scheduled posting time. Neither oral or topical application is recommended, nor does the KHRC provide specific guidance.
