California board cites two for drugs

The California Horse Racing Board has filed complaints against trainers Mike Mitchell and Sean McLaughlin for recent violations of medication rules. Mitchell was cited for an excessive level of procaine found in the postrace test of Scat Thief, who was third in the seventh race at Del Mar on Aug. 3.

Procaine, a local anesthetic, is listed as a Class 3 medication. Violations for medications in classes 1, 2, or 3 are subject to a redistribution of purse and a possible fine and/or suspension for a trainer.

Mitchell is scheduled to have his case heard by Santa Anita stewards on Oct. 11.

McLaughlin was cited after Dab of Lightning, winner of the ninth race at the Solano County Fair in Vallejo on July 20, tested positive for the anesthetic lidocaine.

The presence of lidocaine is a Class 2 violation. A hearing has been scheduled before the Golden Gate stewards on Oct.o31.