Nevada Commission Upholds $100K Fine, 15-Year Ban for Trainer Castillo
UPDATE: The Nevada Gaming Commission has just upheld a severe penalty against horse trainer Ricardo Castillo Jr., ensuring he remains barred from racing for a staggering 15 years and faces a hefty $100,000 fine. This decision follows the disqualification of four horses that tested positive for banned substances during races at the Elko County Fairgrounds over the 2024 Labor Day weekend.
The ruling, finalized during a commission meeting, confirms the Nevada Gaming Control Board‘s earlier decision that was prompted by alarming drug test results from Castillo’s horses: Famous Prizes, Dr. B, Bnb Hasta La Luna, and Bnb Lightning McQueen. Tests revealed the presence of methamphetamine, amphetamine, and, in two cases, the painkiller Tramadol. Each horse had won races and collectively earned $17,700 in prize money prior to the scandal.
The commission unanimously rejected Castillo’s plea for leniency, emphasizing the critical need for safety and integrity in horse racing. Board member Abbi Silver highlighted that the potential risks of drugged horses far outweighed Castillo’s financial difficulties or clean record. She noted that the commission had previously dismissed Castillo’s claims of accidental contamination due to multiple horses testing positive on different days.
Castillo’s attorney, Jennifer Gaynor, argued that the penalties were excessively harsh, especially when compared to other cases in Nevada where fines typically range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, with suspensions lasting only weeks or months. Gaynor pointed out that Castillo had never faced disciplinary action before and that the horses were in good health.
Despite these arguments, the commission stood firm. Commission Chair Jennifer Togliatti stressed that the ruling was crucial to prevent future incidents and protect the sport’s integrity. “Things could have ended much worse if an accident had happened,” she stated, reinforcing the seriousness of the situation.
In a brief statement, Castillo expressed his disappointment, asserting that training horses had always been his passion and that he never intended to cause harm. With the commission’s final ruling now in place, Castillo faces a long absence from the sport he loves and a financial burden that may be insurmountable.
This ruling marks a significant moment in the ongoing fight against doping in horse racing, sending a clear message that violations will not be tolerated. As the industry grapples with the implications of this case, all eyes will be on how it affects future regulations and the integrity of horse racing in Nevada and beyond.
