Daley suspended

Trainer Noel Daley has been suspended six months and fined $2,500 as a result of an elevated TCO2 test on his horse Night Mystery at the Meadowlands in February, despite the horse testing high once again in a quarantine situation.

Although Night Mystery re-tested high, the ruling issued by the New Jersey Racing Commission states: "the Board of Judges are not satisfied on the basis of the evident facts upon completion of the 72-hour quarantine, and the testing of the horse's blood during the quarantine period, that the elevated levels are physiologically normal for the horse "NIGHT MYSTERY."



Daley was cited for violating the trainers' responsibility rule when Night Mystery had the elevated test following a win in the third race at the Meadowlands Feb. 25. An evidentiary hearing before the Board of Judges was held Tuesday, April 12, to determine whether the quarantine process was sufficient, with the ruling coming as a result of those proceedings.



"If a horse tests high as a result of the quarantine, the judges have to look at all the facts and circumstances and determine whether or not they are satisfied with the results, where no penalty would be issued," New Jersey Racing Commission deputy director Mike Vukcevich told The Horseman. "If they are not satisfied that the quarantine was sufficient and proper, then they will take action and impose a penalty."



The ruling cites the incident being Daley's second violation of the TCO2 regulations as the reason for the suspension and fine. The suspension is set to begin April 21 and continue through Oct. 17. Daley is allowed to appeal the ruling.



Following the elevated test, Daley's barn at Magical Acres was searched and allegedly needles, syringes and unmarked prescription drugs were found, resulting in his arrest. Daley is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday, May 4, on those charges.

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