HORSE RACING NATION (Apr 14, 2020) — In a ruling posted Tuesday, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission suspended trainer Bret Calhoun for 30 days and fined him $500 stemming from a positive test for cannabidiol in a winning filly last July at Ellis Park.
Calhoun will serve 10 days of the suspension through April 23. Citing “mitigating circumstances,” the term’s remaining 20 days are stayed on the condition that no Class A or Class B medication violation occur in the next year. The use of cannabidiol, often referred to as CBD, is a Class B medication violation.
Calhoun waived his right to a hearing before stewards, according to the ruling. He also declined comment when contacted Tuesday by Horse Racing Nation.
As a 3-year-old filly, Touch Blue broke her maiden July 6, 2019, in a 5 1/2-furlong claiming race over Ellis Park’s turf. She has been disqualified, and owner Chester Thomas, who runs horses under the Allied Racing banner, will forfeit purse money from the victory.
The Association of Racing Commissioners International categorizes cannabidiol — derived from hemp, and increasingly popular for human use with advertised health benefits — as a Class 2 substance.
Cannabidiol
Cannabidiol is a chemical in the Cannabis sativa plant, also known as marijuana or hemp. Over 80 chemicals, known as cannabinoids, have been identified in the Cannabis sativa plant. Cannabidiol has effects on the brain. The exact cause for these effects is not clear. However, cannabidiol seems to prevent the breakdown of a chemical in the brain that affects pain, mood, and mental function. Read more »
CBD and horses
CBD is commonly used now among regular horse owners. Before you run out and snap some up for your nervous equine, please read the following article carefully, “What you need to know about CBD and horses“; Equine Wellness Magazine; April 16 2020.
Tuesday's Horse 
Only a $500 fine
Only a 10 days’ suspension
for messing with and abusing this innocent horse
What a joke!
I’ve always maintained that the penalties issued by the horse racing authorities globally are designed to keep racing going. The above is just one example.
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Racing’s self rule is an open doorway to endless horse doping, abuse and fatalities. Gambling drives this vicious business. Without it racing will collapse.
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Exactly. A former high ranking Australian racing official once stated privately on horse racing (when presented with irrefutable evidence of animal cruelty inflicted upon the horses)
‘it’s all about the gambling’.
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