Nevada’s top gaming authority revoked horse trainer Alvaro Torres’ license for five years and fined him $5,000 after one of his racehorses tested positive for cocaine. The incident occurred at the Elko County Fair, where Torres’ horse, The Saime Pro, won a race and was subsequently found to have cocaine in its urine sample. The Nevada Gaming Commission unanimously decided to impose strict penalties on Torres, who did not attend the meeting or offer any defense.

Initially, Nevada State Racing Steward Doug Ray issued a $1,000 fine and a 180-day suspension of Torres’ license, but the severity of the offense led to further punishment. The case was escalated to the Nevada Gaming Control Board and then to the Commission for stronger sanctions, marking the first time a steward had requested harsher penalties in a doping case. Officials expressed outrage over the animal abuse, with Commission member George Assad stating that drugging a horse with cocaine could have killed the animal.

The incident has raised concerns about the integrity of Nevada’s limited horse racing scene, which includes just two state-authorized annual race meets. The Elko County Fair and upcoming Ely races are important for attracting tourism to rural areas in eastern Nevada. Board Chair Kirk Hendrick suggested that Torres should stay out of Nevada’s racing industry for life, as he remains barred from reapplying for a license for five years. Officials have hinted at potential further investigations stemming from the case.