Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit drops suspension of Handal as investigation continues

The Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit has dropped its provisional suspension of the trainer Ray Handal, which will allow him to continue to train while a positive in one of his horses is investigated further, according to officials involved in the case.

Handal was informed of the suspension on Friday, and his barn was searched at that time. The suspension was related to the detection of the substance Zeranol in one of his horses in a post-race test following a race on May 28.

Zeranol is a growth promoter used primarily in livestock. It is currently categorized as a banned substance under HIWU’s rules, which went into effect on May 22. Under the rules, any finding of a banned substance leads to a provisional suspension for the trainer while the case is being adjudicated.

A spokesperson for HIWU, Alexa Ravit, confirmed that the provisional suspension had been lifted, but she said that the case is still being adjudicated.

“The case is still pending and ongoing,” Ravit said. She declined to comment on what factors led HIWU to drop the suspension.

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HIWU has two main categories of drugs, controlled and banned, but it has a small separate category of substances that are considered “atypical findings,” which include substances that can appear in a horse’s post-race sample due to environmental contamination. In the case of an atypical finding, HIWU is required to conduct an investigation before issuing a suspension, if warranted.

Handal, who has 44 stalls at Belmont Park, had contended on Friday that Zenarol can commonly get mixed in with feed, and he said his attorney, Clark Brewster, would be presenting scientific evidence to HIWU about the potential for contamination.

On Wednesday, Handal said Brewster told him that the suspension had been lifted.

“I cried when Clark called me and told me I can go back to the barn right now,” Handal said. “It feels great. Justice was on the right side, can’t wait to get back to the barn, see my horses, see my people, get back into my routine and get ready for Saratoga” meet, which begins on July 13.

Handal, 34, has been training since 2014 and has not had a medication violation in his career. He has won 28 races from 130 starters this year.

NYRA, in a statement, confirmed that Handal will be allowed to enter horses again.

“With his provisional suspension lifted today by HIWU, trainer Ray Handal is once again able to fully participate in all training and racing activities at NYRA tracks,” said Patrick McKenna, NYRA’s spokesperson.

- additional reporting by David Grening

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