The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority has alleged that a vet and 13 trainers at Penn National Race Course organized an effort to inject horses at prohibited times, resulting in more than 200 instances from May 2023 to November 2024. Three horses that received these injections died in the races that followed, leading to more than 100 expected race disqualifications.
The investigation revealed that veterinarian Dr. Allen Post Bonnell conspired with trainers to administer prohibited intra-articular injections to horses, violating HISA’s rules aimed at safeguarding equine health and ensuring fair competition. The trainers involved in the alleged conspiracy include Kimberly Graci, Bonnie Lucas, Marlin Arthur (Joe) Miller, and Javier Morzan.
HISA’s efforts to enforce rules on stand-down times for injections are based on research to improve equine safety and racing integrity. The investigation found that some horses that received injections during prohibited times never raced again, suggesting the injections were used to mask pain. The case, which is one of the largest since HISA’s launch, highlights the organization’s commitment to protecting the safety of both human and equine athletes through thorough investigations and collaboration with industry partners.
