Butler Found in Possession of Levothyroxine

Trainer Gerald Butler was provisionally suspended by the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit for possession of the banned substance levothyroxine. Levothyroxine, a thyroid supplement and synthetic version of a hormone called thyroxine, is banned by HIWU after years of overuse in the racing industry. Thyroid hormones serve to promote oxygen consumption, regulate the synthesis of various proteins, control body heat production, and stimulate metabolism. Levothyroxine's commercial or developmental names include Thyro-Tabs, ThyroKare, Tirosint, Ermeza, Euthyrox, Levolet, Synthroid, Levoxyl, and Unithroid. A study on supplemental thyroxine appeared in the May 2022 edition of the Equine Veterinary Journal. The study linked the use of supplemental thyroxine with cardiac arrhythmia and concluded the supplement also could be a contributing factor to bone fractures. Butler's case has not yet been adjudicated by HIWU's Internal Adjudication Panel. He faces a penalty of up to a two-year suspension and a $25,000 fine once the case has been reviewed by the IAP and a federal administrative law judge. The infraction was first posted against Butler Aug. 15 on the HIWU website. The trainer was also allegedly found guilty of violating Rule 3216(d) with two acts of retaliation and threats/intimidation. Under HIWU rules, Butler is not allowed to train or start any of his horses while the trainer is serving his provisional suspension. Butler, a multiple stakes-placed trainer, has six horses entered to run Aug. 17 at FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing.