Oklahoma appeals court upholds horse trainer’s suspension

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – An Oklahoma appeals court has upheld the suspension and fine levied by the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission against a horse trainer whose animal tested positive for a banned drug after winning a race at Oklahoma City's Remington Park racetrack.

The Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals handed down the ruling Wednesday against Gerardo Ochoa-Pena, who received a one-year suspension and $2,500 fine after a horse under his supervision tested positive for a banned drug.

The ruling says Ochoa-Pena's horse tested positive for a prohibited substance on May 28, 2011, after his horse placed first in a race at Remington on the same day. In addition to the suspension and fine, the commission disqualified the horse from the race.

Ochoa-Pena's attorney, Rachel Bussett, did not immediately return a telephone call seeking comment.