Harness Racing Communications, a division of the USTA
Trainer Nat Varty will serve a suspension from June 20 to August 13 imposed by the Ontario Racing Commission for multiple rule violations.
Varty will serve a suspension from June 20 to August 3 and pay a fine of $5,000 for a violation concerning the horse Millenium Ball. The suspension is for, “an act injurious to racing and cruel to the horse by using a modified headpole on the horse Millenium Ball at Woodbine Racetrack on March 11, 2004,” according to the Commission ruling, dated June 16. Millenium Ball was owned at the time by Hoffman Stables Inc. (Fred Hoffman) and Joint Venture Stables (Jack Sawatzky).
Additionally, Varty will serve a suspension from August 4 to August 13 and pay a fine of $5,000 for violations concerning the use of the Class V substance Cromoglyate on the horses Mattygonne A and Captain Dave at Flamboro Downs on May 16 (Mattygone A) and Rideau Carleton Raceway on May 27 (Captain Dave). The remaining 20 days of the suspension are stayed. The ruling states that if another positive test occurs within one year of today’s ruling, the 20 days will be applied in addition to the penalty assessed for that additional positive test.
Mattygone A was owned by Wilson Racing Stable, Mark Eichberger and David Yohe. Captain Dave was owned at the time by Antonio Chiaravalle.