The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has banned a standardbred trainer and a harness driver for 10 years each after a horse tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug.

Trainer Richard Moreau and Hall of Fame harness driver Sylvain Filion were also fined $40,000 each after the horse, Funtime Bayama, was found to have DPO (darbepoetin alfa) in its system during testing for the North America Cup, said an AGCO release. DPO is a prohibited performance-enhancing non-therapeutic substance that the AGCO says “adversely affected the integrity of racing.”

Moreau is listed as the trainer of record for the horse but an AGCO investigation revealed both men were “actually in charge, custody of and/or in care of” the animal in question, reports City News. Filion is a member of the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame and has won over 10,000 races in a long career.

“For these violations, Moreau has been suspended for 10 years, inclusive from July 23, 2024, to July 23, 2034,” said the ACGO. “Filion has been suspended for 10 years, inclusive from October 31, 2024, to October 31, 2034. Both licensees have also been issued a monetary penalty of $40,000.”

The suspensions mean that any horses owned by Moreau and/or Filion will be ineligible for any AGCO-overseen race during the 10-year suspension period. However, the horse could run again if a sale to another trainer is approved by race officials.

“The AGCO is committed to protecting the health and wellbeing of Ontario’s racehorses and maintaining the fairness and integrity of racing,” added AGCO Registrar and CEO, Dr. Karin Schnarr. “Performance-enhancing substances have no business in the sport and their administration can lead to severe consequences for licence holders.”