The post NGC Upholds Ruling Against Trainer Whose Horses Tested Positive for Meth appeared first on Vegas Slots Online News.
The Nevada Gaming Commission (NGC) has upheld a $100,000 fine and ban ruling against a horse trainer despite his pleas for it to be overturned.
Ricardo Castillo fell into disrepute in the summer of 2024 when his horses tested positive for methamphetamine. The horses included Bnb Hasta La Luna, Famous Prizes, Dr. B, and Bnb Lightning McQueen. They had a combined $17,700 in purses.
Castillo is banned from horse racing for 15 years
In addition to the $100,000 fine, Castillo is banned from horse racing for 15 years. The NGC has upheld that ruling, first handed down by the Nevada Gaming Control Board, in a 5-0 vote. The two regulators had oversight over the case since the failed drug tests took place at Elko County Fairgrounds in Nevada.
Jennifer Gaynor, the attorney for Castillo, argued that the punishment was incredibly severe. “There has never been a fine of this magnitude in a horse racing case in Nevada or anywhere else we could find,” she said. “The standard fines and suspensions are in the $1,000 and 30-to 180-day range.”
She highlighted that Castillo made just $1,500 per month as a trainer, and that the winnings through the four horses would amount to just $6,500 after expenses.
The post NGC Upholds Ruling Against Trainer Whose Horses Tested Positive for Meth appeared first on Vegas Slots Online News.
