Third Time’s Not a Charm: Rodriguez Gets Third Drug Positive

Trainer Rudy Rodriguez, who conditions undefeated Kentucky Derby hopeful Vyjack, has had a third horse test positive for Banamine, according to a report in the Daily Racing Form.

Rodriguez is currently serving a 20-day suspension after two other horses in his barn tested positive for the same medication.

Gustavo Rodriguez, Rudy's brother and assistant trainer, told the DRF that the horse Majestic Marquet tested positive for flunixin, which is known by the trade name Banamine, after winning a starter/optional claiming race at Aqueduct March 10.

Rodriguez began serving his current suspension March 16 after two of his horses, Heiden and Alston Gunter, tested positive for Banamine. Heiden had won a race on April 7, 2012, and Alston Gunter was third in a race Nov. 21. Rodriguez was also fined $7,500.

Rodriguez was originally suspended 40 days for those positives, but had half of the suspension stayed provided he did not have another positive for the next year. If this positive is confirmed, Rodriguez would most likely have to serve those 20 days plus whatever further penalty the state may assess, according to the report.

Read more in the Daily Racing Form