Trainer Armata suspended three months for drug violation

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Trainer Willie Armata has received what is essentially a three-month suspension and a $5,000 fine for a Class 1 positive test for oxymorphone found in Jamiesta. The gelding finished third in the seventh race on June 25, 2025, at Woodbine but was disqualified from purse money and deemed unplaced.

As a result of an appeal proceeding by the Horse Racing Appeal Panel, a ruling put out by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario on June 27 stated that Armata is suspended for one year, beginning with three months (less 13 days already served) from July 2-Sept. 18. The remaining nine months are stayed during a probationary period from Sept. 19 to July 1, 2027. 

The total fine for Armata is $10,000, with $5,000 of it stayed during the aforementioned nine-month period.

Armata is required to complete the AGCO Equine Medication Use and Awareness Program before reinstatement. Should he have a positive test for a Class 1, 2, or 3 drug during the period that the suspension is stayed, he may be required to serve the full suspension and pay the full monetary penalty.

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