California Horse Racing Board files charges against Eswan Flores after positive test for cocaine

The California Horse Racing Board on Sunday officially filed charges against apprentice jockey Eswan Flores, alleging he tested positive for cocaine, board spokesman Mike Marten said late Sunday afternoon.

A hearing will be held at Fairplex next Saturday, Sept. 15, Marten said. Stewards Scott Chaney, Luis Jauregui, and Tom Ward will preside, Marten said.

Flores has been prohibited from riding in Southern California since Aug. 25 by the CHRB because the initial sample from a random drug test conducted at Del Mar on Aug. 23 came back positive for cocaine. A split sample of that test subsequently had the same result.

Flores has denied using the drug.

Flores had won with just 8 of 105 mounts at Del Mar. This year, he has won with 83 of 675 mounts, and his runners have earned $2,922,187. For his career, Flores has 109 wins from 977 mounts and purse earnings of $3,644,987.