Trainer Esquivel cleared of medication violations
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Kentucky-based trainer Jesus Esquivel has been cleared of two alleged medication violations that could have led to a four-year ban after he produced evidence at his hearing that the drugs were prescribed by a veterinarian, according to the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit.
In a summary decision posted to its website, HIWU said that two horses trained by Esquivel who tested positive in out-of-competition tests last year for albuterol, a bronchodilator, were properly prescribed the drug for “breathing problems.” Esquivel’s veterinarian, however, had not entered those records in the veterinary portal established by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority for all veterinary treatments when the samples were tested.
Albuterol and other drugs in its class are potent respiratory medications that can also build muscle mass when used regularly. Thoroughbred racing began cracking down on the drugs two decades ago when it became clear that the drugs were being widely abused. The drugs are rampant in Quarter Horse racing.
Although the drug is a banned substance, HISA’s rules allow for the administration of albuterol and other drugs in its class provided that the drugs are prescribed for a diagnosed respiratory issue and the horse is given time to allow the drugs to clear its system.
HIWU said in its case summary that Esquivel’s veterinarian, Dr. Richard Costelle, had evaluated the two horses for breathing issues and prescribed the drug. Costelle, HIWU said, “had a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship with both horses” but had “belatedly entered the records [of the diagnosis and prescription] into the HISA portal.”
Esquivel began training in 2021 and has a career record of 123 wins from 775 starts, with total purse earnings of $3.06 million.
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