10-year suspension in horse doping case

John H. Bassett

Prominent horse trainer John H. Bassett, one of three trainers whose quarter horses tested positive for an exotic painkiller at Ruidoso Downs in May, has been suspended from racing for 10 years, fined $10,000 and ordered to return any purse money won by the drugged horses.

In addition, the trainer for horses owned or partly owned by state Racing Commissioner Ray Willis and his wife, Lola, also was suspended and fined for doping.

Bassett, who has trained two winners of the racetrack’s prestigious $2 million-plus All American Futurity, was handed the sanctions Saturday by New Mexico Racing Commission stewards, following a hearing in Hobbs.

The sanctions reflect what had been the state’s maximum penalty for the use of the drug dermorphin, a potent painkiller derived from the skin of a tree frog native to South America. Each infraction carried a maximum penalty of five years’ suspension, a $5,000 fine and return of purse money.

Since the May infractions, the governor-appointed New Mexico Racing Commission has adopted more stringent regulations on horse doping, including harsher penalties. Under the new rules, owners can be held liable along with the trainers. Under the old rules, owners could not be penalized...

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10-year suspension in horse doping case