Steve Anderson's column in DRF:

http://www.drf.com/news/article/67669.html

"Norman horse said to test positive

Cole Norman, the Louisiana-based trainer, had a horse test positive for an excessive level of carbon dioxide in a race at Del Mar last month, according to a person familiar with the investigation.

Norman has run one horse at Del Mar this summer - Top Commander, who finished fifth in the Grade 1 Bing Crosby Handicap over six furlongs on July 31.

Dr. Rick Arthur, who is heading the consortium of racetracks and racing organizations conducting the testing, said he "could not confirm or deny" that Norman had had a horse test positive. Arthur did say that a trainer has been asked to appear at a meeting with consortium officials at Del Mar on Wednesday and that the consortium has notified the California Horse Racing Board that a trainer has been found to have an excessive level of carbon dioxide.

"After the meeting we will release the name of the horse and the trainer and say what action the committee has taken," Arthur said.

Phone calls and text messages to Norman on Saturday were not returned."


Delmar Deb