Miff and Sight -

Thanks for adding some sensible comments re:Biancone. You are correct. The only issue here should be the cobra venom. But that's the part that never added up. That would be something you might find in a claiming trainer's barn. It would have the same effect as something like Sublimase for whatever joints it was used on. He trains young horses and grass imports. Now if they had found blood-doping kits or something like that I would say this looks bad.But cobra venom? It's used to block feet, diagnostically or otherwise. Cobra venom is not the reason he succeeds, that much I can assure you.

Also consider:
* Dr Stewart has testified that he put the bag in the refrigerator and that Biancone had no knowledge of it.
* Biancone has said he has no knowledge of it
* He passed a polygraph on this point and on whether he has ever used cobra venom
* He turned over his computer and all records and there apparently is nothing incriminating there.
* No needles or syringes were found.
* Biancone was never interviewed by the KHRA.

I know Patrick believes he was set up. But I also know that KHRA Pres Lisa Underwood has said in the press that they did not act on a tip. I know Lisa well and I believe her. So then why did they do the raid? I guess because he had a positive at Churchill for an asthma medicine on a 2 year old (who didn't even have lasix!). In my opinion what has happened here is the KHRA, on a mission to clean things up, raided a trainer after a very minor offence and found an illegal medication that he has never used that unfortunately was put there by a vet 45 minutes before the search.

I think most people would agree that IF my assessment is true then a one year suspension, effectively taking away someone's livelihood is excessive.


Disclaimer - I have 2 horses in training with PB. I can tell you this much. He is an outstanding horseman, one of the best I have been around.

BB