Cocaine Found in Mouths of Horses at Illinois Tracks

The Illinois Racing board has ordered mandatory pre-race saliva tests for all horses at Illinois tracks because traces of cocaine were found in the mouths of 32 racehorses.

Authorities also have ordered the suspension and fine of several thoroughbred trainers and four harness trainers because cocaine was detected in horses they handled. At least nine other harness trainers were fined $500 each, said racing board executive director Joseph Sinopoli.

The net widened Wednesday when stewards at Sportsman’s Park handed out fines to four owner-trainers and suspended three.

Jere Smith Jr., Alan Crocker and Gerald Butler were each fined $500 and suspended for 30 days, the stewards said. The fourth owner-trainer, Michael Tammaro, was fined $500.

The stimulant was discovered during spot checks of the horses’ tongue ties.