Trainer Raymond Handal has had his provisional suspension instituted by the Horseracing Integrity Unit lifted July 5.
HIWU had provisionally suspended Handal for one of his horses testing positive for the banned substance zeranol. However, HIWU, on its website stated it has "lifted the provisional suspension based upon information submitted by the covered person and the review of relevant scientific information."
HIWU added that the Equine Anti-Doping Notice issued to the trainer "has not been withdrawn."
Attorney Clark Brewster, who represented Handal, said while it was unfortunate there was provisional medication, the process worked as it should.
"I'm actually encouraged by the common sense and review that (HISA and HIWU) lend in this instance," he said. "Because when the lab did the test, even though they reported an adverse analytical finding or had a prohibited medication present, they also reported an atypical finding of a substance called zearalenone, which comes from feed...and likely the source of the metabolite of zeranol, which is the prohibited medication."
The New York-based trainer had faced up to a two-year suspension after Barrage tested positive for zeranol when finishing second in an allowance optional claiming race May 28 at Belmont Park | BloodHorse.com Track Profile">Belmont Park. Owned by Theresa and David Palmer, the 5-year-old War Dancer gelding lost by half a length.
"With his provisional suspension lifted today by HIWU, trainer Ray Handal is once again able to fully participate in all training and racing activities at (New York Racing Association) tracks," said NYRA vice president of communications Pat McKenna.
The United States Anti-Doping Agency lists zeranol as a veterinary drug approved for use in livestock in the United States, including beef cattle. Sold under the brand name Ralgro, zeranol is a growth promoter in cattle and is also used in sheep. It is not approved by the Federal Drug Administration for use in horses.
