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.

A ruling put out by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario on Friday 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.

:: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.