The New Mexico Racing Commission has summarily suspended the 2025 AQHA champion trainer after investigators allegedly discovered needles, syringes, and injectable medications in his tack room at The Downs at Albuquerque.

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ALBUQUERQUE, NM–MAY 25, 2026–The New Mexico Racing Commission has summarily suspended Quarter Horse trainer Xavier E. Rodriguez after investigators allegedly discovered needles, syringes, and injectable medications inside his tack room at The Downs at Albuquerque on May 23. Under NMRC rules, only licensed veterinarians and their assistants are permitted to possess those items on racetrack grounds.

As a result, all 22 of Rodriguez’s horses entered in Ruidoso Futurity and Ruidoso Derby trials that weekend were scratched. The ruling also bars Rodriguez from all NMRC-regulated grounds, and horses owned, trained, or under his care are currently ineligible to race in New Mexico. Any horse transfers or sales involving Rodriguez must comply with commission regulations.

The NMRC has scheduled a summary suspension hearing for June 1.

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