Trainer Dick Clark suspended more than seven years for drug violations

Dick Clark, a longtime trainer based at Prairie Meadows in Altoona, Iowa, has been issued a 7 1/2-year suspension by the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit following positive tests in two horses for methamphetamine, a banned drug, and possession of a banned substance.

The suspension is the longest issued so far by HIWU, which took over responsibility for drug testing and enforcing rules under the Anti-Doping and Medication Control program of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority on May 22. One of the horses, Colonel Klink, tested positive three times for methamphetamine, after consecutive races on June 19, July 3, and July 22, according to HIWU.

Under the new rules, the recommended penalty for a positive for a banned substance like methamphetamine is two years. Clark also was cited for possession of levothyroxine, which is used to treat thyroid dysfunction but can only be administered by prescription.

Clark has the right to appeal the ruling to an administrative law judge. The rulings state that Clark accepted the penalties and had admitted to the violations.

Clark has been training since 1976 and has won 1,576 races from 10,607 starts, with total purse earnings of $24.5 million.

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