Sharp barn searched by Kentucky Horse Racing Commission

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky Horse Racing Commission security personnel last Friday searched the Keeneland and Trackside stables of trainer Joe Sharp, according to chief steward Barbara Borden. The search found nothing improper, said Borden.

The search was done at the discretion of the commission in the aftermath of Sharp’s “equine fatalities, both in racing and training,” according to Borden. Since Sharp began training in September 2014, at least three of his horses have been euthanized after breaking down in races – Sisteremos, Cassie Lou, and Shore Runner – while the commission also has received reports on several others who broke down in training, said Borden.

Barn searches are frequently made after a horse tests positive for a banned medication, but that was not the case in this instance.

Sharp, the husband of retired jockey Rosie Napravnik, has nearly 100 horses under his care. Through Tuesday, he had won 94 races from 464 career starts.