I’ll Have Another trainer Doug O’Neill may get fed a dose of reality following the race for the Triple Crown, as he faces suspension from the sport by the California Horse Racing Board.
2012 Preakness: I’ll Have Another Trainer Doug O’Neill Faces Possible Suspension
The charge, which is unrelated to last weekend’s Kentucky Derby Winner, stems from the practice of “milkshaking” horses in the Golden State, a performance-enhancing and fatigue-reducing tactic that elevates levels of carbon dioxide in the body through soda, sugar and electrolytes.
No word on whether this is a tasty treat for ponies.
O'Neill, in Baltimore this week working with I'll Have Another, responded to the claims today, stating: "I swear on my kids' eyes I never milkshaked a horse," O'Neill said.
It’s O’Neill’s fourth carbon dioxide charge in his 25-year career.
Because it comes during one of the most important times in his professional career, and is likely to be a long and drawn-out litigation process, O’Neill expects to be entirely focused on working toward winning next Saturday’s Preakness Stakes.
The second leg of the Triple Crown is expected to be a crowded field, with many owners of eligible horses unafraid of challenging a Derby winner who posted at 15-1 odds.
For more on the Preakness, stay tuned to this StoryStream or check out SB Nation's horse racing blog And Down The Stretch They Come. There, you'll also find a A Beginner's Guide To Following Horse Racing and a glossary of horse racing terms.
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