Eight Belles trainer has colt fail drug test

Jun 21, 2008 - 4:00 PM NEW YORK (Ticker) -- Larry Jones, the trainer of the late filly Eight Belles who has been critical of drug use in the sport of horse racing, recently had one of his colts test positive for a performance-enchancing substance.

According to a report by the New York Times on Saturday, Jones and breeder Jim Squires, another outspoken critic on the use of drugs in horse racing, both were notified earlier this week that Stones River had tested positive for illegal levels of clenbuterol, a bronchodilator that helps burn fat and promote muscle growth, after a race at Delaware Park earlier this month.

Stones River romped to a 9 1/4-length victory in the 1-mile, 70-yard race.

Jones, the top trainer at Delaware Park, has called for limits on the use of steroids and race-day medications in horses. He was the target of criticism after Eight Belles was euthanized following a second-place finish in the Kentucky Derby.

The newspaper reported that Jones had never had a violation in 25 years as a trainer, according to the Racing Commissioners International database. Squire, a former member of the Kentucky Racing Commission, also had a clean record.

"I guess we're not the the most popular people in Delaware," Jones said. "I have gotten so much hate mail after Eight Belles. I've been on the public record against drugs forever, as has Jim. It looks pretty obvious to me that we've been targeted."

Earlier this week, congressional hearings were held on drug use in horse racing and members of Congress told industry leaders that reforms were needed.