Amoss Settles Indiana Case, Accepts Penalty

Blood-Horse

Trainer Tom Amoss and the Indiana Horse Racing Commission have entered into a settlement agreement in a complex case involving a one-nanogram medication positive at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino in 2011.

Amoss, who has fought the IHRC over the positive reading for the Class 4 drug methocarbamol for about three years, was suspended 45 days from Sept. 17-Oct. 31 and fined $5,000, according to a settlement agreement approved by the IHRC July 15.

Amoss confirmed the settlement agreement July 23 after the IHRC issued a press release. The original suspension was for 60 days.

“I think the decision is very unfair, but the commission has spoken so I’ll take my days,” Amoss said.

The race in question occurred Oct. 21, 2011. The IHRC said the penalty is based not only on the Indiana positive for methocarbamol, a muscle relaxant, but three others for therapeutic drug overages in Kentucky in a 365-day period.

The cumulative penalties are part of the multiple medication violation penalty system now in place in Indiana; the fact the MMV penalty system wasn’t on the books when the positives were reported by the laboratory was one of the points Amoss attempted to make in his case.

“Mr. Amoss’ penalty sends the right message to Indiana’s racing community,” IHRC executive director Joe Gorajec said in a release. “Whether you’re the leading trainer or train a couple of $5,000 claimers you will be held accountable and disciplined appropriately.”

Amoss has won multiple training titles at the two tracks in Indiana.

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