The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has suspended Standardbred trainer Jeffrey Gillis for 10 years and imposed a $40,000 penalty following an investigation into violations of horseracing anti-doping rules. This investigation was part of a broader international probe led by the FBI, which resulted in charges against 27 individuals, including trainers and veterinarians, for distributing illegal performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) to racehorses. Evidence revealed that Gillis had purchased banned substances, including synthetic erythropoietin (EPO), from a veterinarian involved in the illegal drug trade.
The AGCO’s swift action aims to uphold the integrity of horse racing and ensure the welfare of the animals involved. The commission’s Equine Drug Unit collaborates with various authorities to combat the use of illegal drugs in the sport. AGCO’s regulations explicitly prohibit the possession of non-therapeutic banned substances, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining fair competition.
Gillis has the right to appeal the AGCO’s ruling to the Horse Racing Appeal Panel (HRAP), which independently reviews such cases. Dr. Karin Schnarr, AGCO’s Registrar and CEO, reiterated the agency’s zero-tolerance policy towards doping, highlighting the importance of trust and accountability in the sport.
