HIWU Suspends Trainer Schettino Over Post-Race Finding

Citing a post-race positive for the corticosteroid dexamethasone, the enforcement arm of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority has issued sanctions against trainer Domenick Schettino and will disqualify That'sthefactjack from victory in a May 16 claiming race at Aqueduct Racetrack. The Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit Sept. 4 posted to its website that Schettino will be suspended seven days beginning Sept. 5, will be fined $1,000, and assigned 1.5 penalty points following the post-race positive. Owners Michael Imperio and Elizabeth Loftus will forfeit the $19,800 purse earned by That'sthefactjack in the May 16 race, a six-furlong test for horses entered at a $20,000 claiming price. Runner-up Midnightloveaffair will be awarded victory. BloodHorse could not immediately reach Schettino to see if he planned to have a federal administrative law judge review the finding, but the HIWU posting notes the case is resolved with an admission of a controlled medication rule violation and acceptance of consequences. Controlled medications are substances that are allowed to be used in the racing environment, but their administration is closely regulated.