Rise N High’s Suspension Upheld; Gelding Won’t Compete in Champion of Champions

Rise N High, a leading candidate for the quarter horse world championship, will not be allowed to compete in the prestigious $200,000 Champion of Champions Invitational Dec. 14 at Los Alamitos Race Course.

The 4-year-old gelding was placed on a 60-day suspension Nov. 21 after testing positive for the prohibited drug Mazindol on Nov. 5. Owners Charles Abrecq and G.S. Boskovich appealed the decision to course stewards, but the suspension was upheld Dec. 7.

Course officials haven’t decided if they will seek a replacement for Rise N High. That decision will have to be made by Wednesday when lane assignments for the Champion of Champions are drawn.