Asmussen lidocaine hearing reset for July 7

A stewards' hearing for trainer Steve Asmussen concerning a horse in his care who tested positive for lidocaine in May 2008 has been reset for July 7, according to Jean Cook, a spokesperson with the Texas Racing Commission.

The hearing was rescheduled after a main witness in the case was unable to travel to Lone Star Park near Dallas for the scheduled May 12 hearing. Steven Barker, a scientist with Louisiana State University, was scheduled to testify on behalf of Asmussen but could not fly into town because of inclement weather.

There have been a number of delays in the case on both sides since the filly in question, Timber Trick, won a maiden race at Lone Star on May 10, 2008. Lidocaine is a Class 2 medication violation. Texas has a zero-tolerance policy on the local anesthetic.