Trainer Holthus Suspended as Oaklawn Mount Tests Positive

Bob Holthus, who has won seven training titles at Oaklawn Park, has received a $1,000 fine and a 15-day suspension from Oaklawn stewards because one of his horses tested positive for the drug Banamine.

Sam Anderson, Holthus’ attorney, obtained a temporary restraining order from the Garland County Chancery Court to stay the suspension until a hearing on appeal to the Arkansas Racing Commission. The ruling means Holthus can continue to race his horses at Oaklawn pending a hearing by the state Racing Commission. The next commission meeting is April 14.

According to the stewards’ ruling, a sample from Grandma’s Holme, who won the fifth race on March 22, tested positive.

Grandma’s Holme paid $4.60 to win. If the stewards’ ruling stands, the purse won by Grandma’s Holme will be forfeited and redistributed.

“I have no idea where (the drug) came from,” Holthus said Thursday. “The mare is sound, (but) it did come back positive.”

“That’s why we’re appealing this to the commission,” he said. “We know we did not give her Banamine. There’s no sense in giving her Banamine. She’s perfectly sound. She had won (13) days before and was everybody’s best bet. Why would we give her Banamine?”

According to a product information sheet, “Banamine is recommended for the alleviation of inflammation and pain associated with musculoskeletal disorders in the horse. It is also recommended for the alleviation of visceral pain associated with colic in the horse.”

After viewing the evidence, the stewards fined and suspended Holthus for violation of a Racing Commission rule regarding trainer responsibility.

The commission rule book says a trainer is to be “responsible for and be the absolute insurer of the condition of an entry he enters regardless of the acts of the third parties.”

In 1978, Holthus served a 310-day suspension when three of his horses tested positive for a banned drug at a Chicago track.