Report: Trainer Phil Schoenthal Takes 'Proactive Approach' After Meth Positives, Will Serve Just 15 Days

Trainer Phil Schoenthal will serve a 15-day suspension from HIWU over a pair of his trainees testing positive for methamphetamine at Laurel Park earlier this year, reports the Thoroughbred Daily News. 

Methamphetamine, a banned substance, can currently lead to a two-year ban and $25,000 fine for the trainer. However, meth is also recognized as a substance of abuse in humans, and HISA is in the process of modifying its rules regarding such drugs. Late in 2023, HISA submitted new regulations to the Federal Trade Commission which cap the period of Ineligibility related to human substances of abuse to 60 days, if HIWU determines that it has a reasonable basis to conclude that the finding was likely the result of inadvertent human transfer. The 60-day sanction may be reduced if evidence of source is provided.

The new rules have not been posted for public comment as yet, and are likely still several months away from being approved. However, HIWU is electing to utilize the proposed penalty schedule in these cases, while staying such cases until the new rules are approved. 

In this case, Schoenthal was able to show that a groom and an exercise rider in his barn at Laurel Park, where the positives occurred, both tested positive for methamphetamine. In addition, the trainer took significant steps to reduce the risk of contamination in the future.

Schoenthal explained he had read the 50-page ruling instituted in Jonathan Wong's metformin case, and learned what not to do.

"In the old regime, you would walk into the stewards' office and talk to a retired trainer or jockey who knew how the backstretch worked and were understanding with those things and believed you," Schoenthal told TDN. "HIWU was given a set of rules they did not write. Their only their job is to enforce them. They are white-collar, smart, educated people, and come from a world where an employer has drug policies and HR policies. For the last 100 years, they have not been part of our world.

“I sat down that weekend, and typed up a whole manual for my employees. Don't take your prescription medications at the barn, and if you have to, wash your hands. Don't pee in the stalls. Don't allow friends, families, and strangers to touch the horses. We bought some pizzas, and went through all of these things in English and Spanish, and had everyone sign the paper that they understood. We also put up signs that said don't pee in the stalls and tried to take a very proactive approach to the things that were in our control to mitigate the risk.”

Both of Schoenthal's meth positives occurred at Laurel Park. The first was with Prodigy Doll on Jan. 28, while the second was with Determined Driver on Feb. 9. Schoenthal has trained over 500 winners in a career dating to 2003, according to Equibase. The Thoroughbred Regulatory Rulings website lists just one medication violation for Schoenthal during that period, for diclofenac, an NSAID.

Read more at the Thoroughbred Daily News.