Maximum Security trainer among 27 charged for doping horses

Manhattan: More than two dozen people, including the trainer of champion Maximum Security, were charged in what authorities described as a widespread international scheme to drug horses to make them race faster.

Trainer Jason Servis, whose stable includes the 3-year-old champion, was charged with administering performance-enhancing drugs to that horse and others. Maximum Security crossed the finish line first at the 2019 Kentucky Derby before being disqualified for interference and has since won four of his five high-profile races. The charges against trainers, veterinarians and others were detailed in four indictments unveiled on Monday. Charges brought against the 27 people include drug adulteration and misbranding conspiracy.

Performance-enhancing drugs “were given to racehorses in an effort to increase their performance beyond their natural abilities,” William F Sweeney Jr., assistant director in charge of the FBI New York Office, said at a news conference.

“What actually happened to the horses amounted to nothing less than abuse. They experienced cardiac issues, overexertion leading to leg fractures and in some cases, death.  Conversely, the human being involved in the scheme continued to line their purses as they manipulated this multibillion-dollar horse racing industry across the globe.”

Authorities say the drugs can cause horses to overexert themselves, leading to heart issues or death. According to the indictments, other drugs used to deaden a horse’s sensitivity to pain to improve the horse’s performance could also lead to leg fractures.

Associated Press