Delta Downs stewards make first ruling stemming from dermorphin outbreak

Racing regulators have issued the first ruling stemming from a recent outbreak of positive tests for the powerful, pain-killing drug dermorphin at Louisiana tracks.

In a ruling issued Saturday, stewards at Delta Downs suspended quarter horse trainer Alvin Smith Jr. for six months because Dashin Forward, who finished second in the Laddie Futurity on May 26, tested positive for the drug. The purse was $225,337.50, of which $38,307.38 was the second-place share. Under the ruling, Dashin Forward was disqualified, and his winnings will be re-distributed.

The suspension is the maximum that stewards can give a trainer under Louisiana racing rules. “In the opinion of the Board of Stewards, the penalty imposed is insufficient,’’ the ruling says, and the stewards referred the case to the Louisiana State Racing Commission “for further review and action.’’

Smith has appealed the stewards’ ruling and can continue running horses until the commission hears the case.  His wife, Kelli Smith, said Tuesday afternoon that they wouldn’t comment on the case.

The outbreak for dermorphin, which racing regulators say is much more powerful than morphine and has no legitimate use in horses, involves 11 horses from the stables of nine trainers. Thoroughbreds and quarter horses tested positive. Seven of the horses raced at Delta Downs, three raced at Evangeline Downs and one raced at Louisiana Downs.

Delta Downs stewards make first ruling