David Lanigan fined for Meeznah positive
On Thursday 25 November, trainer David Lanigan appeared before the British Horseracing Authority (BHA). Disciplinary action was deemed necessary after it was revealed that Lanigan’s horse, Meeznah, had tested positive for acepromazine (ACP) on the occasion
of her second-place finish at Investec Oaks Group 1 at Epsom in June.
Acepromazine is a sedative and antiemetic most commonly used to calm anxious animals. Its pharmaceutical use is common in dogs, cats and horses. The source of the drug was never confirmed and Lanigan was fined the minimum of £750.
Meeznah had finished second behind Snow Fairy in the Oaks (ridden by Ted Durcan), but the positive urine test has resulted in the disqualification of her results. The Aiden O’Brien-trained Remember When has been named the official runner-up in her stead.
According to Racing Post, Bruce Raymond, spokesman for Meeznah owners Saif Ali and Saeed Altayer, said, "She ran a fine race at Epsom and for a moment I thought she was going to win.
"They had gone fast early in the race and down the home straight she was still on the bridle, while the others were being pushed along."
The Newmarket trainer began his career as Henry Cecil’s assistant and has held his licence for three years. According to Mark Edmondson, his solicitor, Lanigan, was very disappointed by the case. It is the first disqualification from a British Classic race
since Aliysa was disqualified from the same race after winning in 1989.
The future of Meeznah’s relationship with Lanigan is unclear. Earlier this month, it was announced that the horse would remain in training, as her four-year-old season in 2011 based on the strength of the Oaks performance.
"While she has run a lot of really good races, she has just a maiden win to her name, so it is really important to get her head in front again," said the owners’ spokesman before the positive test.
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