‘Inadvertent Exposure’: Iowa Stewards Fine Asmussen $1,000 For Beta-Blocker Positive

Stewards at Prairie Meadows published their decision Tuesday to fine Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen $1,000 because his trainee, Shang, returned a positive test for Atenolol following a second-place finish in the 2019 Iowa Derby.

Atenolol, a beta-blocker, was found in the post-race urine same at 1.99 ng/ml, and that finding was confirmed by a split same. The drug is listed as a Class 3, Penalty B substance in the The Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI) model rule guidelines. Those guidelines also recommend a 15-day suspension, but Asmussen was not suspended.

In a tele-hearing with the stewards, Asmussen, assistant Darren Fleming, and attorney Clark Brewster “did not dispute the positive test, but rather provided evidence as to the potential cause,” according to the ruling.

Evidence was presented that purported to show Atenolol in the local water, but stewards believe that the more likely cause of contamination is due to a person associated with the horse. Asmussen said prohibiting those caring for his horses from urinating in the stalls is “a practice that is impossible to stop,” according to the ruling.

“There are mitigating factors which cause the stewards to impose no suspension penalty against Mr. Asmussen’s license in this matter,” the ruling stated. “The mitigating factors are as follows: The amount of the drug found was extremely low, and there was substantial persuasive evidence provided showing Atenolol can be an environmental substance.

“The board believes it was an inadvertent exposure, and not a deliberate administration. The board feels the contamination most likely came from a person closely associated with the horse, and not from the local water. [However] this disqualification is justified due to the irrefutable drug positive. Although it is likely that the horse carried the drug in his system due to an inadvertent exposure, he nonetheless carried the drug in his system, which necessitates the disqualification to ensure the integrity of racing and to instill confidence in the betting public.”

The horse was disqualified from the July 5 race, and purse money was ordered returned. Shang was also placed on the veterinarian’s list, and must work before a commission vet before he can be entered for another race. Shang was off for six months following the Iowa Derby, but won his return start in January at the Fair Grounds and has since placed second twice and fifth once. The colt most recently worked at Louisiana Downs on May 23.