Major harness racing penalties were issued across multiple jurisdictions by state racing commissions and enforced by the United States Trotting Association.
Burlin Brower Penalized in Kentucky
The United States Trotting Association published actions taken by racing commissions, including penalties issued to Mr. Burlin Brower following an appearance before the Board of Judges on October 19, 2026.
Brower violated multiple rules under 810 KAR 3:020, including failing to disclose complete ownership interest, engaging in conduct against the best interest of horse racing, and knowingly aiding an inactive person in financial gain from horses racing in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, as reported by U.S. Trotting News.
The Board of Judges issued Brower a ten thousand dollar fine and a full suspension of 379 days running from November 11, 2026, through November 24, 2027. Brower is denied access to all association grounds under the jurisdiction of the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation.
All horses owned or trained by Brower cannot be transferred without prior approval from the KHRG Board of Judges. Pursuant to 810 KAR 9:010, Brower submitted a request for an appeal and stay on November 4, 2026.
Callahan Withdraws Appeal After Oxymorphone Positive Findings
Walter Callahan served as the trainer of record for Primo Maschio when the horse won the 11th race at Bally’s Dover on March 26, 2026. Blood and urine samples collected by DHRC Chief Veterinarian Dr. Claire Wellman returned positive findings for Oxymorphone, a Class I drug, at Industrial Labs and subsequently at EQIAS Labs. The Delaware Harness Racing Commission initially issued Callahan a two-and-a-half-year suspension and a $9,500 fine.
Primo Maschio was disqualified, ordered to return a $6,650 purse, and suspended from racing for 60 days. On November 10, 2026, Callahan withdrew his appeal. Due to mitigating circumstances, the board reduced the suspension to time served through November 10, 2026, reduced the fine to $1,000, and required the purse to be redistributed.
Davis and Other Trainers Face Medication Penalties
Trainer Janet Davis faced penalties after post-race samples from Oops All Berries at Shenandoah Downs on October 18, 2026, identified betamethasone above the regulatory threshold. Oops All Berries was disqualified from first place and placed sixth, with purse monies ordered returned within 72 hours alongside a half Multiple Medication Violation point.
| Trainer | Horse | Track / Date | Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walter Callahan | Primo Maschio | Bally’s Dover, 03/26/2026 | Oxymorphone (Class I) | Time served, $1,000 fine, purse forfeiture |
| Nicholas Devita | Happy Papi | Pocono Downs, 09/22/2026 | DMSO | $750 fine, purse forfeiture ($8,000) |
| Jim Doherty Jr. | Savage Lp | Monticello Raceway, 10/12/2026 | Elevated TCO2 | 60-day suspension, $1,000 fine, 6-month pre-race detention |
| Joe Graber | Swan Good Bi | Hoosier Park, 09/18/2026 | 7-Carboxycannabidiol | 15-day suspension, $500 fine, purse forfeiture ($237,750) |
