The Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU) has alleged that Tamara, trained by Richard Mandella, tested positive for the controlled muscle relaxant methocarbamol following her win in the Oct. 4 Chilingworth Stakes (G3) at Santa Anita Park. Although methocarbamol is permitted under strict regulations, its presence typically leads to disqualification and penalties for the trainer. Mandella, who treated Tamara for back soreness with Robaxin-V (methocarbamol) and adhered to withdrawal guidelines, has accepted responsibility and does not plan to contest the finding, expressing regret for the embarrassment caused to the owners and the industry.

If Tamara is disqualified, runner-up Silent Law, trained by Bob Baffert, would be elevated to the winner of the Chilingworth Stakes. Tamara, a 4-year-old daughter of Bolt d’Oro and out of Hall of Famer Beholder, was scratched from the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint due to injury and remains ineligible to race. This case is currently pending resolution by HIWU, which has not previously disqualified a Mandella-trained horse for medication violations.