Positive Tests Confirmed for Río Maggio and Lacanian Ink; Juan M. Etchechoury Suspended for Two Months

A wave of positive treatments and doping cases has emerged at the main racetracks, including both confirmed and provisional findings

Río Maggio Captures the Handicap Candy Stripes / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

After a period of relative calm, positive treatments and doping cases have once again emerged at the country’s premier racetracks, with several high-profile incidents, either due to the prestige of the race involved or the names linked.

The most significant news came from San Isidro, starting with the confirmation of an initial test on Lacanian Ink (Fragotero), who finished second in the Clásico Omega (G2). The ruling imposed an 11-month suspension on trainer Martín E. Fernández and a 45-day suspension on the mare, who is now cleared to compete in this weekend’s Clásico La Mission (G1). The adjusted Omega standings are as follows: 1st, Fiesta Porteña; 2nd, Same Treasure; 3rd, Guiltless; 4th, Luz Delito; 5th, Candlelit; 6th, Poliziana.

In addition, a prohibited treatment was confirmed for Río Maggio following his win in the Handicap Candy Stripes on July 9. The caretaker Justo Juan José Benítez received a six-month suspension, while the Winning Prize colt was suspended for two months and disqualified. The final adjusted result for the race is: 1st, Marenelo; 2nd, Candy and Giant; 3rd, Dom Mario; 4th, Atrevido Electric; 5th, Elegido Cri.

In the north, trainer Domingo Angel Carbonetti received a four-month suspension for Numbered (Fortify), who had finished second in the third race on June 27 before testing positive. The horse is now eligible to race, and the corrected standings are: 1st, Cautivo Rye; 2nd, Jubon; 3rd, Codi Master; 4th, Sicario; 5th, El Polenta; 6th, Just Worry; 7th, Galán de Altamira.

Finally, in its latest update, the San Isidro Racing Commission imposed a two-month suspension on Juan Manuel Etchechoury, responsible for presenting Escape Room (Il Campione), who finished fifth in the ninth race on July 4, competing as a pair with Viejo Varieté (Qué Vida Buena).

Investigations confirmed that the sanctioned horse did not interfere with the race to benefit its “partner.” The adjusted results for the race are now: 1st, El Triplo; 2nd, Viejo Varieté; 3rd, Polaris E.; 4th, Río New; 5th, Night Guy; 6th, Emoción y Ke; 7th, Private Blend.