Veterinarian Sanctioned for Possession of Banned Substance
A veterinarian has accepted a four-month suspension and a $4,165 fine after investigators discovered a banned substance in his veterinary vehicle during a compliance search at the Thoroughbred Training Center in Lexington, Kentucky.
On October 3, 2024, regulators from the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU) and the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation found two bottles labeled “B BLEND – PELPHERY” in Dr. Bealmear’s possession.
The substance, containing Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), was compounded in 2022 by Boothwyn Pharmacy and classified under the ADMC (Anti-Doping and Medication Control) Program as a Category S0 banned substance — prohibited at all times due to lack of recognised veterinary use.
While Dr. Bealmear admitted to possessing the bottles, he claimed they were leftovers from treatments administered in 2022, prior to the launch of the ADMC Program in May 2023.
He also stated he was unaware the substance was banned, pointing out that its name and ingredients were not explicitly listed in the Program’s prohibited substances list.
However, HIWU rejected this defence, noting that the ADMC rules clearly prohibit certain compounded medications regardless of name listing, and that veterinarians are expected to stay informed and compliant.
Although Dr. Bealmear argued he had purged his vehicle of restricted drugs before the program began, the two expired bottles remained.
HIWU found that while this didn’t meet the standard of “compelling justification,” it did qualify as “No Significant Fault or Negligence,” thanks to a number of mitigating factors: Dr. Bealmear’s clean disciplinary history, his cooperation with investigators, the absence of any post-rule violations, and evidence of a serious medical hardship during the time in question.
Ultimately, HIWU determined Dr. Bealmear’s failure to dispose of the expired medication or confirm its banned status showed a lapse in diligence, but not deliberate misconduct. He accepted the penalty without contest and signed an Admission and Acceptance of Consequences agreement.
This case underscores the high expectations placed on veterinary professionals working within regulated racing environments — particularly around drug storage, documentation, and evolving anti-doping standards. Even unintentional possession of banned substances can carry serious consequences if due diligence is not maintained.
