Trainer Michael Clements has opted to exercise his right to challenge the decision made by the stewards and the corresponding penalties. He was fined a cumulative sum of $50,000 ($10,000 per offense) due to the presence of morphine, a banned substance according to racing regulations, in the urine samples of his five horses: Pacific Star, Fighter, Pacific Hero, Pacific Angel, and Real Success. The appeal process is scheduled for a later date.
The urine samples collected and subjected to analysis from the horses mentioned revealed the presence of morphine, which is prohibited in horse racing. Consequently, a $10,000 fine was levied for each individual charge.
Among these horses, Pacific Star placed second in Race 3 on March 18, while Fighter and Pacific Hero won Races 8 and 12 respectively, held on March 25. Pacific Angel placed second in Race 4, while Real Success finished eighth in Race 8 on the same day. In light of these findings, all five horses were disqualified from their respective races, leading to revised race outcomes.
Following the inquiry concluded last Wednesday, Clements, being the trainer and the individual responsible for preparing the horses for the races, was deemed guilty of the charges.
