Trainers Gargan, Lalman suspended, fined

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Trainers Danny Gargan and Dennis Lalman were both issued suspensions and fines by the New York Gaming Commission for medication violations.

Gargan was suspended 10 days and fined $1,000 for an overage of phenylbutazone in the system of the horse Playwright, who won a New York-bred maiden $40,000 claiming race at Aqueduct on Dec. 6. Bute is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory used to relieve pain.

Gargan’s suspension was reduced to seven days for waiving his right of appeal. He will begin serving the suspension Sunday.

Lalman was suspended 30 days and fined $1,500 after a post-race test revealed the presence of the drug diclofenac in the system of Alaapatique after he finished second on Dec. 15 at Aqueduct. Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory used in horses to control pain and inflammation found in hocks, knees, fetlocks or pastern joints. The stewards’ ruling said the penalty is reflective of the fact Lalman used the medication Surpass, a topical cream that contains diclofenac, without a prescription as required.

Lalman has appealed the suspension.