Aparna Battula was suspended after 30 hypodermic needles and syringes and 80 vials of injectables were found in her tack room at Monmouth Park
The New Jersey Racing Commission has denied a request for a stay of an immediate suspension issued to trainer Aparna Battula after the discovery of a cache of needles, syringes and vials of injectable substances during a search of her tack room at Monmouth Park in Oceanport, N.J.
Battula was suspended immediately on Aug. 9, but her attorney, Karen Murphy, contends that the prohibited items were planted by a former employee of Battula’s who had been fired the day before the search was conducted.
Murphy filed for an appeal of the suspension and an immediate stay, also requesting that the original ruling be amended because Murphy contends Battula did not admit to possession of the items as the ruling states.
The order, signed by Judith Nason, executive director of the New Jersey Racing Commission, states:
“The New Jersey Racing Commission has received a request from Aparna Battula for an appeal and a stay of the enforcement of the penalties imposed by ruling 19MON46 which ordered an immediate license suspension continuing until such time as Ms. Battula appears at a future hearing before the Board of Stewards, which will be scheduled once certain confiscated substances have been analyzed and the results received by the New Jersey Racing Commission.
“The Executive Director, having reviewed the stay request and for the reasons particularly set forth in a letter dated August 14, 2019 sent to counsel for Aparna Battula, hereby denies the stay request. The Executive Director finds that the granting of a stay would be adverse to the best interests of racing, as well as inimical to the integrity of the sport. See: N.J.A.C. 13:70-13A.8. The Executive Director also determined that the request to appeal is premature prior to the conclusion of the investigation, Board of Stewards’ hearing and decision.”
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