Trainer Wong given 60-day suspension

Jonathan Wong, a leading trainer at Parx Racing in Bensalem, Pa., has been suspended for 60 days after a search of his barn in March turned up hypodermic needles and injectable substances, according to the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission.

Wong, who has 34 wins from 126 starts this year, began the suspension May 30, according to agency’s records. It will run through July 28. The suspension was first reported by the Paulick Report.

According to a ruling dated May 20, employees of the racing commission conducted a search of Wong’s barn on March 4, finding “two hypodermic needles or syringes and two bottles of an injectable substance.” It is a violation of racing rules for anyone other than a licensed veterinarian to possess hypodermic needles on the backstretch.

Wong appealed the suspension on May 26, but stewards denied his request for a stay of the penalty during the appeal, according to racing commission records.

Wong took out his trainer’s license late in 2014 after working as an assistant in California and Arizona. He has 145 career wins from 517 starts, with earnings of $1.93 million.