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Board revokes trainer's license, fines $100,000 and bars him after methamphetamine positives in four racehorses
Summary
The Nevada Gaming Control Board sustained stewards’ findings that four horses trained by Ricardo Castillo tested positive for methamphetamine and related substances and modified the stewards’ penalties: disqualification, redistribution of purses, a $100,000 total fine, license revocation and a 15‑year bar from Nevada racing.
The Nevada Gaming Control Board sustained stewards’ findings that four horses trained by Ricardo Castillo tested positive for prohibited substances and imposed fines, license revocation and a multi‑year racing bar.
Lede: Following an appeal of the stewards’ rulings at Elko and Alco race meets, the board sustained that Ricardo Castillo violated NGC regulation 30.405 (prohibited foreign substances in racehorses), disqualified the four affected horses and ordered redistribution of their purses. The board modified the stewards’ recommendations and imposed a $25,000 fine per race (total $100,000), revoked Castillo’s Nevada horse‑race license (effective Sept. 3, 2024) and barred him from racing under Nevada jurisdiction for 15 years.
Why it matters: Drug administration to racehorses is an enforcement priority because it endangers animals, jockeys and the integrity of wagering. The board’s action is intended to impose a substantial deterrent and aligns with national regulatory guidance (ARCI) for category‑a offenses.
What the board heard: The board reviewed the stewards’ hearing record and laboratory results that reported methamphetamine and amphetamine in multiple post‑race samples and tramadol in two samples. The state steward and investigators summarized chain of custody and post‑race testing procedures. The stewards had imposed the maximum administrative penalties within their jurisdiction and referred the matter to the board for further discipline. The board noted the presence of the illegal stimulant in multiple horses over different race days and the lack of an exculpatory explanation from the trainer in prior proceedings.
Board action: The board sustained the stewards’ finding of violation and the disqualification of the four horses with redistribution of purses. The board modified the stewards’ recommendations and set fines at $25,000 per race, a total fine of $100,000; it revoked Castillo’s Nevada horse‑racing license effective 2024‑09‑03 and barred him from racing on any track under Nevada jurisdiction for 15 years. The board directed staff to coordinate recovery of any improperly distributed purse monies through appropriate civil remedies.
Why the board acted strongly: Members cited public‑safety risk to jockeys and animals, and the need to protect wagering integrity. The board emphasized that methamphetamine administration is a category‑a offense under industry standards and should attract sanctions sufficient to deter similar conduct.
What’s next: The orders and fines become part of the public record and ARCI will be notified; other jurisdictions typically honor Nevada suspensions and bars. Parties have appeal rights under statute and the board recorded the decision on the record for that purpose.
Ending note: The board’s action underlines the state’s enforcement priority for prohibited drug use in racing and signals regulators’ willingness to apply multi‑year bars and substantial fines for repeat or multi‑horse violations.
