Perfect Sting had positive test; Holloway appealing

It has been discovered that Perfect Sting had a positive test back on June 26, 2021, when he was second then placed first in the $148,332 Pennsylvania Sire Stake for harness racing 3-year-old male pacers at The Meadows.

A split sample was also sent to the labs and was found to be also positive for testosterone.

Before this report was published today, Perfect Sting had gone on to be named the Dan Patch Three-Year-old Pacing Colt of the Year and his trainer, Joe Holloway named as the Dan Patch Good Guy Award Winner.

Mr. Holloway has said that he will be appealing the decision.

Here is the ruling found on the USTA website.

HOLLOWAY, JOSEPH J FREEHOLD, NJ YOB 1956
Mea on 6/26/2021 FINED: $500
FULL – 15 DAYS, 1/17/2022 THRU 1/31/2022
HORSE DISQUALIFIED – PLACED 9, PURSE REDISTRIBUTION
POSITIVE TEST- POST RACE
PA Code Title 7-203.22,401.2 A(1),401.41, 205.33, 205.501 (14).

Sample #376342 was found to contain testosterone at a level of 3765pg/ml, a class 3 violation.

Sample #376342 was provided by #7 Perfect Sting, who was placed 1st through a disqualification, and was trained by Mr. Holloway. A split sample and DNA was requested and confirmed at a level of 3635pg/ml and a match of DNA.

Thus, #7 is disqualified and placed 9th, the purse ($74,166) is ordered to be redistributed, and Mr. Holloway, the trainer of record, is fined $500 and given a 15-day full suspension.

During his suspension, Mr. Holloway is denied the use and privileges of all the grounds sanctioned by the Pennsylvania SHRC.

All horses owned and/or trained by Mr. Holloway may only be transferred through the Judges office at the Meadows.

The fine and purse return must be paid within 10 days of this ruling.

View Fines and Suspensions for the week of December 31, 2021, as reported to the USTA by racing commissions in the United States.

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