Trainer Persaud begins 20-day suspension

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Trainer Randi Persaud began serving a 20-day suspension Friday for possession of vials of injectable controlled substances, according to a ruling issued Thursday by the New York State Gaming Commission.

The suspension was originally for 30 calendar days, but 10 of those days were stayed for Persaud waiving his right of appeal.

Last month, Persaud had several horses scratched from the final three cards of the Belmont spring-summer meet, and he wasn’t able to enter during the first few days of the Saratoga meet while the state investigated after Persaud was found to have vials of controlled substances in his possession, a violation of state law.

Persaud was able to run horses beginning Aug. 3. He ran eight horses from that day through Thursday’s card.

Persaud, who will be denied the privileges of New York state racetrack grounds during his suspension, can resume training on Aug. 30.