Snow Fairy disqualified from Group 1 for positive test

The purse of the Group 1 Prix Jean Romanet at Deauville, France, in August has been ordered redistributed after race winner Snow Fairy was disqualified for testing positive for a banned anti-inflammatory, according to French racing officials.

The Prix Jean Romanet was Snow Fairy’s first start of 2012, and first start since returning from a tendon injury. As a result of the positive test, runner-up Izzi Top has been promoted to first. The race was worth approximately $333,320.

In a statement released on Thursday, trainer Ed Dunlop accepted responsibility for the positive test.

“Due to the significant tendon injury that she suffered at the end of last year, Snow Fairy has required anti-inflammatory medication to help the injury,” the statement read in part.

“Unfortunately, the withdrawal period was longer than we had been advised. The trainer is ultimately responsible and for that we would like to offer our sincerest apologies to all concerned parties.”

Snow Fairy, a 5-year-old mare, races for Cristina Patino. Following the Prix Jean Romanet, Snow Fairy won the Irish Champion Stakes against males in September, her only subsequent start.

Snow Fairy won the English and Irish Oaks in 2010. She won the Grade 1 Queen Elizabeth II Commemorative Cup in Japan in 2010 and 2011.