Racehorse Trainer Accused of Prohibited Substance Use
A prominent horse trainer is facing allegations from racing authorities regarding the presence of a prohibited substance in one of his horses. This development has sparked an ongoing investigation and raises questions about medication control within the sport.
Trainer Angel Quiroz Charged by HIWU Over Albuterol Positive
On August 13, 2026, the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU) officially charged trainer Angel Quiroz. The charges stem from a positive test for albuterol, a regulated medication, discovered in the four-year-old filly Bonita Rough. The alleged violation occurred after a workout on July 10, 2026, at the Fair Hill Training Center. Bonita Rough, owned and bred by Long Trail Stables, previously made her sole career start in June 2025 at Gulfstream Park under the care of trainer Frank Santillana, where she finished last in a maiden claimer.
According to a HIWU official, Quiroz received notification of the positive test and subsequently waived his right to request a B sample analysis. He also failed to provide an adequate explanation for the presence of albuterol. Albuterol, primarily a bronchodilator, is permitted when administered via an inhaler but is otherwise prohibited. HIWU's case specifically alleges that the substance was given in a manner other than inhalation. Quiroz now has the option to request a hearing before an impartial arbitrator to present his defense.
This incident is not isolated. Bonita Rough's full brother, the three-year-old Bravo Rough, also a Long Trail homebred and entered by Quiroz, was withdrawn by stewards from a maiden special weight race at Mountaineer on the Monday preceding the charges. This scratching followed a contentious situation at Monmouth Park on Sunday, where a suspiciously low Daily Double payoff involving Quiroz-trained horses, which had also worked at Fair Hill, triggered an investigation. It's important to note that HIWU, as the anti-doping branch of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA), does not have jurisdiction in West Virginia, where Mountaineer is located.
Further test results for any other horses recently trained and tested by Quiroz will be disclosed in accordance with the anti-doping and medication control program regulations. HIWU officials have stated that neither HIWU nor HISA will offer additional comments on this pending case, as it is part of an active and ongoing investigation.
The charges against Angel Quiroz underscore the racing industry's continuous efforts to maintain integrity and ensure fair competition. The use of prohibited substances not only compromises the welfare of the animals but also erodes public trust in the sport. This case serves as a stark reminder that strict adherence to medication rules is paramount for trainers, and regulatory bodies like HIWU are vigilant in upholding these standards. The outcome of the upcoming hearing will undoubtedly send a clear message to the racing community regarding accountability and compliance.