Harness: Top Canadian trainer Moreau suspended by AGCO

Richard Moreau, who saw his 10-year reign as O’Brien-winning Trainer of the Year in Canada end in 2023, was “fully suspended” as of July 23 by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).

According to the report, Moreau was suspended due to the presence of “darbepoietin alfa” (DPO) in the system of Funtime Bayama from an out of competition test completed on June 10, just five days prior to the horse finishing third in the $730,000 North America Cup. The horse was privately sold a few days after the race to U.S.-based connections and finished second in an elimination and last in the $650,000 final of the Meadowlands Pace.

A report from the Association of Racing Commissioners International rates DPO as a class 1 drug and according to an equine veterinarian we contacted, it is a blood builder which allows horses to maintain high speed longer. “Aranesp is the brand name. It is the ultimate no-no for performance in animals, or people for that matter,” said the vet.

The AGCO release states that Moreau’s suspension will remain in effect until the completion of an inspection into the positive test. All horses owned or under his care must be transferred to another trainer approved by AGCO in order to continue to race.

Moreau was unavailable for comment.