Trainer O'Neill drops appeal of suspension
July 11, 2012LOS ANGELES (AP) - Kentucky Derby and Preakness-winning trainer Doug O'Neill says he's dropped his appeal of a 45-day suspension stemming from an excess of carbon dioxide in one of his horses in 2010 and will serve the penalty starting Aug. 19.
O'Neill said Wednesday that the suspension was reduced to 40 days, and California Horse Racing Board spokesman Mike Marten confirmed it.
The punishment runs until Sept. 27, which means O'Neill will miss the closing weeks of the Del Mar meet which ends Sept. 5. During his suspension, O'Neill's barn and horses will be supervised by his assistant Leandro Mora.
O'Neill had originally said he would appeal the suspension because he questioned the test findings that showed excessive carbon dioxide.