Mickey Burke has positive

Harnessracing.com has learned Mickey Burke, recently named 2006 Trainer of the Year, has received a positive test for the Class 2 drug Lidocaine on his horse Doggone Incredible at the Meadowlands earlier this month. Burke, 70, is the leading dash-winning trainer on the continent this year with 433 victories, and he ranks second on the money list with $5,595,545 in purse earnings. He was voted the top trainer by members of the U.S. Harness Writers Association.

Doggone Incredible, a 4-year-old gelded son of The Big Dog, finished second in the $23,000 conditioned race Dec. 9, one length behind the winning Odds On BP in 1:50.1. He is a 15-time winner this year with earnings of more than $100,000.

Harnessracing.com has learned Burke has been informed of the ruling of the positive, which calls for a suspension and fine, and has requested a split-sample test be done.

There is no word as to whether Burke will retain his Trainer of the Year title. A few years ago Joe Anderson was announced the Trainer of the Year award winner but a subsequent revelation of a positive test resulted in that award being taken away.

« Back