Nevada Panel Upholds Toughest Sanctions in Doping Case Involving Four Horses

The Nevada Gaming Commission has backed a tough penalty against horse trainer Ricardo Castillo Jr., ending his hopes to reduce a decision that will keep him out of the sport for over ten years. 

State Regulators Stand Firm on $100K Fine and 15-Year Ban for Trainer

All commissioners voted to keep a $100,000 fine and a 15-year ban on holding a racing license. The Nevada Gaming Control Board first handed down this punishment after four of Castillo’s horses failed drug tests.

The issue arose from quarter-horse races that took place during the 2024 Labor Day weekend at the Elko County Fairgrounds. Officials from the state reported that blood and urine samples collected from four horses — Famous Prizes, Dr. B, Bnb Hasta La Luna, and Bnb Lightning McQueen — revealed the presence of methamphetamine, amphetamine, and, in two instances, the painkiller Tramadol. All four animals had won their respective races and earned a total of $17,700 in prize money before the test results came back.

Race officials first gave Castillo the toughest penalties they could — a $1,000 fine and a one-year license suspension for each offense. Castillo fought back, so the Control Board stepped in and decided to be much tougher on him. They sent the case to the Gaming Commission to make the final call, which led Castillo and his lawyer, Jennifer Gaynor, to show up for a hearing in Las Vegas.

Commission Rejects Leniency Plea, Citing Safety Risks and Integrity Concerns

Gaynor argued that the penalties were too harsh compared to earlier drug cases in Nevada. She pointed out that usual fines in racing go from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, with bans lasting weeks or months instead of years. She told officials that Castillo had never faced discipline before, that the horses were still healthy, and that his small income as a rural trainer made the six-figure fine very hard to pay, reported The Las Vegas Review-Journal. She also stressed that regulators found no odd betting around the races.

The commissioners did not budge. Board member Abbi Silver said they had already turned down Castillo‘s earlier statement that accidental contamination could explain the test results. She noted that several animals racing on different days tested positive. Other panel members emphasized that the safety risks of drugged horses and the integrity of betting were more important than Castillo‘s financial situation or past record. Commission Chair Jennifer Togliatti added that things could have ended much worse if an accident had happened, hinting that the punishment aimed to prevent future incidents.

Castillo spoke briefly to the panel, saying coaching had always been his passion and stressing he never meant to cause harm. Nevertheless, now that the Commission has made its final ruling, he is looking at a long time away from the sport and a fine he admitted might be tough to pay off.