California-based trainer Mike Puype provisionally suspended by HIWU

Mike Puype, the Southern California-based trainer, has been provisionally suspended by the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit on allegations of the possession of two banned substances, isoxsuprine and levothyroxine, according to a report posted on the HIWU website.

Puype, who has trained since 1988, did not immediately return a phone call on Friday afternoon.

Possession of banned substances carries a recommended penalty of two years under HIWU’s rules, though the penalty can be mitigated. HIWU has adjudicated eight cases for possession of levothyroxine since taking over drug regulation in most states in May of 2023, with penalties ranging from 14 months to two years.

Levothyroxine is a metabolic hormone that stimulates the thyroid gland and is available in a large number of formulations. Regulators began cracking down on the use and possession of the drug a decade ago when it became apparent that large numbers of horses were being administered the substance without a prescription or diagnosis of thyroid deficiency.

Isoxsuprine is a vasodilator that increases blood flow. It is not approved by the FDA for use in horses.

Puype has won 14 races from 77 starts this year, with earnings of $650,000. For his career, he has won 827 races from 5,462 starts, with total purse earnings of $37.0 million. Puype trained Mizdirection, who the 2012 and 2013 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint.

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