ORC suspends Pelletier 14 years for DPO positive

On Feb. 7, the Director of the Ontario Racing Commission ordered the immediate suspension of Bertrand Pelletier of Mont-St-Gregoire, Que. In addition, the Director has issued a proposed order to suspend for a period of 14 years, with a $60,000 fine.

 

On Aug. 5, 2012, the horse, Perubydooby, was entered to race at Rideau Carleton Raceway. Prior to the race, the track equipment judge inspected Perubydooby and observed a scratch mark along the right side of the neck below the tattoo, which she reported to the ORC Official Veterinarian. Following an examination, Out of Competition blood samples were taken from the horse.

 

At all material times, Mr. Pelletier was the owner of the horse, Perubydooby, and was officially named trainer of record by the Judges.

 

On Aug. 27, 2012, an Analysis Report indicated that the sample from Perubydooby tested positive for EPO (Erythropoietin). On Feb. 4, 2013, Confirmatory Testing of Perubydooby's blood sample confirmed the specific presence of Darbepoetin alfa.

 

Darbepoetin alfa (DPO) is classed as a potent long-lasting form of Erythropoietin (EPO). EPO/DPO has no legitimate use for a horse that is racing. It not only places the horse at risk, it imperils the future of the horse racing industry.

 

Ontario's horse racing community is made up of horsepeople, racetracks and associations. As a key partner in the efforts to protect the integrity of horse racing, that community is demonstrating its support of ORC intelligence-led investigative efforts. This case is an excellent example of the ORC's Out of Competition Testing Program working in partnership with our Racetrack Officials to identify and catch those who break the rules.