Trainer Lukas Suspended
D. Wayne Lukas, trainer of Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Charismatic, has been suspended by Churchill Downs for 10 days after one of his horses failed a postrace drug test.
The suspension most likely will be upheld by other state commissions, meaning Lukas will not be permitted on the grounds of any recognized race track in the country as long as he is suspended.
The suspension is scheduled for July 6-15.
The stewards made their decision during an informal hearing Sunday at Churchill Downs, giving Lukas the minimum sanction for a positive test.
The 2-year-old horse tested positive on May 16 for benzenemethanol, which is present in most analgesics and antihistamines. Dance Master, a 3-5 favorite in the maiden race, finished second. He was disqualified from the purse money.
Bernie Hettel, the Chief State steward and executive director of the Kentucky Racing Commission, said Lukas told the stewards that he will not appeal. He could not be reached for comment Monday at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif.
Hettel said benzenemethanol is widely used for minor breathing problems and skin diseases but it is not permitted in a horse's system when it races.
It is "a therapeutic medication used on horses with regularity and necessity," Hettel said, adding the substance is not a stimulant.
Lukas was not in Kentucky for the May 16 race, which came a day after Charismatic won the Preakness. But racing regulations say a trainer is the "primary responsible party" for his horses.
On June 5, the day after Charismatic lost his Triple Crown bid in the Belmont, Dance Master won by four lengths at Belmont.
He is to run in Saturday's Bashford Manor at Churchill Downs.
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