Paulson Colt Tests Positive for an Illegal Medication

Allen Paulson, whose 3-year-old colt, Capel, ran fifth as the 11-10 favorite in a $36,000 allowance race on Aug. 22 at Del Mar, confirmed Sunday night that the horse has tested positive for an illegal medication.

Paulson, one of racing’s most prominent owners, said that he has received written notice from the California Horse Racing Board about the positive urine test. Paulson said that Capel’s sample was tested positive by a state laboratory and confirmed by a second lab.

Racing board officials would not identify the medication or the trainer involved. A racing board spokesman said that it is possible that a complaint against the trainer might be announced this week. After a trainer receives a complaint, a further investigation is usually conducted before the stewards consider a suspension.

Capel is trained by Gary Jones, who was the leading trainer at Del Mar and ranks eighth nationally in purses with a total of $3.3 million. Jones is in France and could not be reached for comment.

Paulson said that he is confident that neither Jones nor the stable veterinarian, Steven Allday, is responsible.

“I couldn’t believe it when I got the notice,” Paulson said. “There would be no reason to do anything with the horse. All I can figure is that we might have an enemy who got to the horse.”