As a result of a hearing held on November 30, the New Jersey Racing Commission has suspended trainer Ake Svanstedt 15 days and fined him $500 as a result of a positive test on Resolve in the $273,600 John Cashman Jr. Memorial Trot on August 6 at the Meadowlands Racetrack.
Svanstedt also received a second positive on his trotter Blue Muse, who won an $8,000 amateur race on August 5 at the Meadowlands with his wife, Sarah, driving, and received the same penalties.
The positives were for Dexamethasone, which is a Class ‘C’ violation as recommended by the Association of Racing Commissioners International.
With Ake Svanstedt driving, Resolve won the Cashman on Hambletonian Day in a career-best 1:50.2, besting Obrigado by one and a quarter lengths. As a result of the positive test and subsequent disqualification of Resolve, Obrigado is now the official winner of the race.
According to the New Jersey ruling, Svanstedt's two 15-day suspensions will be served consecutively, starting on Jan. 2, 2017, and continuing through and including Jan. 31, 2017. The ruling also states that "in addition to the penalty issued, a total of two Multiple Medication Violation points, as recommended by the Association of Racing Commissioners International, shall be assigned as a result of these Class C violations."
(Harnessracing.com)