Prominent Trainer Hit With Suspension For Positive Test

D. Wayne Lukas, coming off a year as the nation’s leading money-winning thoroughbred trainer, was suspended Friday for 60 days. The action jeopardizes his chances of saddling two Kentucky Derby prospects in important prep races next month.

The New York State Racing and Wagering Board suspended Lukas because Flanders, the 1994 2-year-old filly champion, tested positive for Isoxsuprine after the Matron on Sept. 17, 1994, at Belmont Park.

“I’ve got a good attorney and all the material is going to him,” Lukas said in today’s editions of the New York Times. “I’m busy trying to get a horse ready for the Kentucky Derby.”

Isoxsuprine is a non-performanceenhancing drug used to improve circulation in a horse’s feet. New York allows no medications for racing.

Lukas, who has 10 days to appeal, said he hadn’t yet seen the board’s report. Laboratory tests conducted at Ohio State indicated trace amounts of the drug.

Lukas could be prevented from saddling his horses at other tracks during the suspension, although presumably his son, Jeff, could replace him.

Timber Country, the 1994 juvenile champion and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner, is scheduled to make his 1995 debut at Santa Anita next Saturday. Lukas also trains Thunder Gulch, another top Kentucky Derby prospect.

Wallenda, a multiple stakes winner of more than $1.2 million, tore the flexor tendon in his left ankle training for next Sunday’s $500,000 Gulfstream Park Handicap and probably will be sent to stud.