Harness Racing Communications, a division of the USTA

According to a story in the Wilmington (Delaware) News Journal, a three year suspension and $5,000 fine of trainer Brett Brittingham for the use of EPO has been upheld yesterday by a vote of 5-0 by the Delaware Racing Commission.

In a hearing held yesterday, Brittingham admitted he gave the gelding Judy’s Beach Towel EPO before the start of the Harrington Raceway meet in April of 2004. The pacer tested positive for antibodies of EPO after a win at Dover Downs on December 19, 2004. Brittingham told officials he bought the substance on the black market from a person identified as “Fish.”

Judy’s Beach Towel was co-owned by Brittingham, along with Christine Crissman and Richard Pryor II at the time of the infraction; he has not raced since December 19, 2004. Brittingham’s attorney, Ron Poliquin, said that he would appeal the Commission’s decision to the state Superior Court. EPO is considered a performance-enhancing substance because it increases the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen, and is thought to boost performance in a horse.