Arnold accepts seven-day suspension for Tramadol positive

Trainer George “Rusty” Arnold began serving a seven-day suspension on Friday after one of his horses tested positive for Tramadol, a painkiller used in a variety of human medications, according to the trainer and records from the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit.

In a statement, Arnold denied giving Tramadol to the filly, Figgy, who tested positive after winning a maiden race at Turfway Park on Dec. 27. He said that the horse likely tested positive due to environmental contamination during a van ride to Turfway from Keeneland, where the horse is trained, or while the horse was in Turfway’s receiving barn.

“I am accepting my penalty and will move on,” said Arnold in the statement, which was highly critical of HIWU’s policies and procedures. “However, I do 100 percent deny giving or instructing anyone on my staff to administer Tramadol to Figgy."

Figgy was disqualified from the win, worth $40,973. Arnold was also fined $1,000. The filly is owned by his breeder, William Pape.

Tramadol is an opioid analgesic that is approved by the FDA for the management of pain. It is a controlled substance under HIWU’s regulations.

In its ruling, HIWU said that the recommended suspension for a positive of Tramadol is 15 days. The suspension was reduced to seven days because of Arnold’s “acceptance of consequences.”

Over a training career stretching back to 1970, Arnold has 1,922 wins from 13,058 starts, with $82.4 million in purse earnings.

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