Agilar becomes fifth Louisiana trainer to be sanctioned for dermorphin positive

Anthony Agilar is the fifth trainer in Louisiana to be suspended six months for a dermorphin positive in a ruling issued by the stewards at Evangeline Downs.

His case has been referred to the Louisiana Racing Commission for further action, said Larry Munster, assistant executive director of the commission. Agilar’s hearing before the stewards was held Saturday, and he has filed for and been granted an appeal, according to Munster.

The dermorphin positive stems from a Thoroughbred race at Evangeline Downs on May 16. Agilar sent out Bad John to a neck win the $4,000 claiming sprint that had a purse of $12,200. The case is one of 11 positives for dermorphin in Louisiana. Dermorphin is a powerful illegal painkiller that is said to be up to 40 times more potent than morphine.

Stewards in Louisiana have now adjudicated five of the state’s dermorphin cases, said Munster, with two Thoroughbred trainers and three Quarter Horses trainers all receiving the six-month maximum sentence that can be granted by stewards in such instances. Each of the cases have been referred to the Louisiana Racing Commission for further action.