Drysdale hit for positive

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. - A positive drug test has disqualified Flying Dash from his win and all purse money in the May 11 Hawthorne Derby, and landed trainer Neil Drysdale a 45-day suspension and a $2,500 fine. Arlington Park stewards handed down the ruling Friday after conducting a hearing here Wednesday.

Eddie Arroyo, senior state steward, said Drysdale's attorney, Neil Papiano, had notified the stewards to say that Drysdale will contest the ruling. A formal request will be made Monday to analyze the urine/blood sample that tested positive. Drysdale's penalties will be stayed until the results of that analysis are complete.

Flying Dash tested positive for clenbuterol, a commonly used bronchial dilator, and promazine sulfoxide, a metabolite of acepromazine, a commonly used tranquilizer. In Illinois, neither drug is permitted at any level on race day.

The disqualification moves the Illinois-bred colt Scooter Roach from second place to first in the Hawthorne Derby. Purses for the first five finishers will be redistributed.

Flying Dash had been pointed for this weekend's Hill Prince Stakes at Belmont, but was not entered in the race Thursday. A German-bred who won two of four starts last year in Europe, Flying Dash was imported to the U.S. this year and had won both of his starts here until the disqualification.