Pedersen hit with ban after Big A barn search

Jennifer Pedersen, who trains for Ernie Paragallo's Paraneck Stable, was suspended Friday for 60 days and banned from the grounds after a barn search at Aqueduct by investigators from the New York State Racing and Wagering Board and the New York Racing Association found "improperly labeled injectibles" in a barn office refrigerator.

"That's all I can say," said Carmine Donofrio, the racing board steward. "It's under appeal."

Donofrio termed the search routine. "In the last week they've probably done 10 or 12 barns," he said.

"I'm going to appeal it," said Pedersen, who was granted a stay pending a hearing.

"These were non-performance-enhancing drugs - the kind of things you use every day on horses," said Paragallo. "We had flu vaccine, B-complex vitamins, penicillin, and a half-used electrolyte jug we had used on a horse that colicked last week.

"These were things a licensed veterinarian kept in our office under lock and key, which only she has access to. We are in violation of nothing."

Through Thursday, Pedersen was the ninth-leading trainer at Aqueduct's winter meet with 14 victories, including three by the 3-year-old filly Amazing Buy, winner of last Sunday's Busher Stakes.