Photo:

Rebecca Gullet / Eclipse Sportswire – edited

A positive drug test led to the disqualification this week
of 5-year-old Mouffy as the winner of the listed, $150,000 Perfect Sting Stakes
on July 4 during the Belmont at the Big A meet, the Horseracing Integrity &
Welfare Unit reported on its website.

The resolution dated Thursday was reported first by Daily
Racing Form.

Trainer Jonathan Thomas was fined $1,500 and given 1 1/2
penalty points for his first offense since HIWU took on federal enforcement of
medication rules in May 2023.

Mouffy, an Uncle Mo mare, was found to have had
dexamethasone in her system, a violation of Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority
rules. An article posted last year on the Horse Sport website said
dexamethasone may be used to reduce inflammation, especially in the lungs. Side
effects include a greater likelihood of laminitis.

Thomas told DRF’s David Grening that Mouffy accidentally
was treated with the medication because of an error on the drug label.

Augustin Stables, the owner of Mouffy, will have to give
back the $82,500 first prize after a demotion to last place in the field of
five. Runner-up Midnight Mile will be promoted to first place in the one-mile
turf race for older fillies and mares.

The Oct. 5 winner of the Dance Smartly (G2) at Woodbine,
Mouffy is entered in Friday’s Robert J. Frankel Stakes (G3) at Santa Anita.