Trainer found with syringes

At 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 8, during a routine inspection by the Tioga Downs Security Division, three loaded syringes with needles attached were discovered in the trailer of Alessandro Spano. Spano of Flanders, N.J., who is licensed as an owner, trainer and driver, denied ownership and any knowledge of the syringes.

The reports and evidence were turned over to the New York State Racing and Wagering Board. The substances in the syringes will be sent to Cornell University for testing and identification. Two horses trained by Spano that were shipped in to race on the evening’s card were scratched.

The management policy regarding excluded individuals also applies to any individual acting as an agent in any capacity. The horse owners--Joseph Sciarrino of Hawley, Pa., Lora Doherty of Flanders, N.J., and Arjun Dyapa of Bellemead, N.J.--will be eligible to participate at Tioga and Vernon Downs with management’s approval of their new trainer.

Jeff Gural, chairman of Tioga and Vernon Downs, issued a statement: “Approaching our last week at Tioga Downs, this incident is an unfortunate end to a very successful meet. The program established by Art Gray for the Tioga Downs security staff is also being implemented at Vernon Downs. Our goal is to level the playing field for the owners, horsemen and the wagering public”. (Tioga Downs press release)

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