ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) New Mexico horse racing regulators are disciplining a trainer because four horses tested positive for a prohibited drug last July at Ruidoso Downs. Racing Commission Executive Vince Mares says the Sunland Park board of stewards ordered that John Stinebaugh be suspended for 16 years, be fined $40,000 and be required to forfeit $8,000 in purses.
Stinebaugh has until Thursday to appeal the ruling issued Monday by the Sunland Park board. The Albuquerque Journal reports that the prohibited drug was Sildenafil, which increases cardiac output.
The affected horses can't race until mid-May. That's because they're now on the state veterinarian's list for 90 days.