Standardbred Official Ruling
Ruling Number R2415490
Date: November 9, 2023
IN THE MATTER OF THE HORSE RACING LICENCE ACT, 2015,
S.O. 2015, c.38, Sched. 9;
AND IN THE MATTER OF JONATHAN M PANOS
On March 10, 2023, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (the “AGCO”) was advised of a positive reading for the Class 1 substance methamphetamine and its metabolite 4-hydroxy methamphetamine in the urine sample with Test Tag #5323051002. The sample was obtained from the Standardbred horse “LIFEGUARD” (tattoo number 1TP36), which finished fourth (4th) in the second (2nd) race on February 20, 2023 at Woodbine Mohawk Park. LIFEGUARD was at that time trained by Jonathan Panos (licence no. HPW1865) (“PANOS”).
On March 16, 2023, the AGCO was advised of a positive reading for the Class 1 substances methamphetamine and amphetamine in the urine sample with Test Tag #4923059301. The sample was obtained from the Standardbred horse “COLOSSAL FAITH” (tattoo number #7S731), which finished second (2nd) in the first (1st) race on February 28, 2023 at Western Fair Raceway. COLOSSAL FAITH was at that time trained by PANOS.
TAKE NOTICE that PANOS has violated Rules 9.09(b), 26.02.01, 26.02.02, and 26.02.03(c) of the Rules of Standardbred Racing (the “Rules”).
In accordance with Rules 4.02(i), 6.04, and 9.08.02 of the Rules and Policy Directive No. 1-2018, PANOS is hereby fully suspended for a period of two (2) years. The suspension shall be served from March 17, 2023 to March 16, 2025, inclusive. PANOS is hereby also issued a monetary penalty of ten thousand dollars ($10,000).
TAKE NOTICE that all horses owned in whole or in part by PANOS are suspended and are not eligible to race during the above-noted suspension period in accordance with Rule 6.13.01 of the Rules. Any horse trained by PANOS may, with the consent of the AGCO Racing Officials, be released to another trainer in accordance with Rule 26.08 of the Rules and Policy Directive No. 2-2008.
In accordance with Rule 9.13 of the Rules, LIFEGUARD is hereby declared disqualified from Race 2 at Mohawk Woodbine Park on February 20, 2023 for all purposes except for pari-mutuel wagering. The revised order of finish for Race 2 at Mohawk Woodbine Park on February 20, 2023 is as follows:
1st #5 Assassins Creed
2nd #7 R Bazingga
3rd #4 Pointto Sweet Lou
4th #1 Boots N Brian
5th #8 Leavin Bruises
6th #2 Always Been Crazy
7th #6 Lunar Launch
#3 LIFEGUARD – disqualified.
In accordance with Rule 9.13 of the Rules, COLOSSAL FAITH is hereby declared disqualified from Race 1 at Western Fair Raceway on February 28, 2023 for all purposes except for pari-mutuel wagering. The revised order of finish for Race 1 at Western Fair Raceway on February 28, 2023 is as follows:
1st #4 She’s Got the Luck
2nd #2 Kinnder Grace
3rd #7 Stargazing Cruiser
4th #5 See the Delight
5th #3 Asbraveasmymomma
6th #1 Crystal Dragon
#6 COLOSSAL FAITH – disqualified.
In accordance with Rules 9.13 and 18.08.01 of the Rules, all purse monies affected by the disqualification of LIFEGUARD and COLOSSAL FAITH shall be returned for redistribution.
In accordance with Rule 6.01(a) of the Rules, PANOS is prohibited from accessing association grounds, including the “Winner’s Circle”, with the exception of the grandstand while his licence is suspended.
PANOS is required to complete the AGCO Equine Medication Use and Awareness Program before reinstatement.
BY ORDER OF
Katherine Cunningham
Deputy Registrar