Two more Penn trainers suspended for violating corticosteroid rules

The Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit has issued a 60-day suspension to a trainer involved in an investigation into violations of corticosteroid rules at Penn National Race Course, as well as a 30-day suspension to another Penn National trainer, according to records posted by the organization.

The 60-day suspension was issued to Fernando Ferreira, who has not started a horse since late 2023 and is wanted by Pennsylvania state police on multiple felony charges, including rape of a child. The 30-day suspension was issued to Naoise Agnew.

Ferreira is the first trainer implicated in the investigation to receive a suspension longer than 30 days. Alexa Ravit, a spokesperson for HIWU, confirmed that Ferreira did not sign an admission of guilt, leading to the longer suspension. Last year, the state police issued an alert asking the public for help in locating Ferreira.

Including Ferreira and Agnew, HIWU has issued suspensions to eight of 13 trainers who have been identified as being involved with the practice of Dr. Allen Bonnell, a suspended veterinarian who has been charged with falsifying records related to the administration of corticosteroids, which are long-lasting anti-inflammatory drugs, to hundreds of horses on the Penn National backstretch over a period of 18 months in 2023 and 2024.

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