The American Quarter Horse Association was informed of 12 positive medication findings from the September 2 All American races.

© AQHA

AMARILLO, TX–FEBRUARY 12, 2025–The New Mexico Racing Commission on February 12 held a press conference during which they reported 12 positive findings for Carmoterol, a beta agonist that has also recently been identified in other jurisdictions.

Trainer Toby Keeton and Heath Taylor have been summarily suspended, pending hearings that are to be conducted within 10 days. AQHA is actively monitoring such proceedings, and more information will be shared once the proceedings are completed.

As previously shared in a statement on racing medication findings, while AQHA is not a regulatory body, the Association works closely with the racing jurisdictions which uphold welfare and integrity measures.

AQHA supports racing jurisdictions in their efforts to regulate the safety and welfare in American Quarter Horse racing, including testing to ensure the rules of racing are being followed. This testing includes condition of entry testing, out of competition testing and/or post-race testing.

AQHA expresses its appreciation of the regulators for their diligence in the pursuit of deterring and preventing the use of performance-enhancing medications.  It is measures such as these that help maintain the integrity of the sport through the cases brought forward regarding the offenders as well as in deterring others from engaging in similar behavior.

AQHA condemns conduct in violation of rules implemented to maintain a level playing field in our racing industry and is dedicated to adhering to the Association’s mission statement, which ensures the American Quarter Horse is treated humanely, with dignity, respect and compassion at all times.
 

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AQHA News and information is a service of the American Quarter Horse Association. For more news and information, follow @AQHA Racing on Twitter and on Instagram, "like" Q-Racing on Facebook, and visit www.aqha.com/racing.