DUI charge against Canani dropped

ARCADIA, Calif. - Drunk-driving charges against trainer Julio Canani were dropped this week by the Los Angeles Superior Court. Canani was arrested and jailed March 1 by Sierra Madre police, who charged Canani with driving under the influence a day after his colt The Pamplemousse crushed the Grade 3 Sham Stakes by six lengths at Santa Anita.

Canani maintained his innocence despite failing the field sobriety test, and results of his breathalyzer test corroborated Canani's claim. According to attorney Roger Licht, the breathalyzer Canani took did not exceed the legal limit for alcohol. "He blew .03," Licht said. The blood-alcohol limit in California is .08.

Canani received the "notice to dismiss" order Thursday morning from L.A. County Superior Court and was relieved to put the episode behind him as he prepares The Pamplemousse for the Santa Anita Derby on Saturday.