Avila deciding whether to appeal fine, suspension

ARCADIA, Calif. – Trainer A.C. Avila said on Thursday that he is debating whether to appeal a 60-day suspension and a $10,000 fine he received from the California Horse Racing Board after one of his starters tested in excess of the permitted level of the tranquilizer acepromazine last March.

Avila said he would consult with an attorney about an appeal this weekend but hinted that he might accept the penalty.

“I want to get it behind me,” Avila said. “I haven’t taken a vacation in eight years. For me, I can come back fresh.”

The medication violation was found in a post-race test taken from Masochistic, who has won 4 of 6 starts, including an optional claimer at Santa Anita on Feb. 28.