HIWU Withdraws Cases Against Trainers Brion, Hendriks

The cases against trainers Keri Brion and R. Lane Hendriks for benzoylecgonine (BZE) positives in horses have been withdrawn by the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit, due to lack of testing specifications for BZE in blood and miniscule levels of contamination.

‣ Cases against trainers Keri Brion and R. Lane Hendriks for benzoylecgonine (BZE) positives in covered horses have been withdrawn
‣ The Brion-trained Chasing After You tested positive for cocaine after winning a $25,000 claimer at Presque Isle Downs
‣ The provisional suspensions against Brion and four others, including Hendriks, were dropped pursuant to a rule that gives HIWU the right to lift the provisional suspension based on the specific facts of the case.

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Two cases against trainers Keri Brion and R. Lane Hendriks regarding benzoylecgonine (BZE) positives in their horses have been withdrawn by the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU), according to a recent statement. Brion, the trainer of Chasing After You, expressed her joy and determination to clear her name, saying “For those of you who know me know that this is not an accurate depiction of my operation.” She revealed that her lawyer is ready to fight to clear her name, stating that the horse had a “clear contamination.”

Following a provisional suspension on October 14, HIWU lifted the suspension, dropping the cases against Brion and four others, including Hendriks. A statement from HIWU, explaining their decision, noted that the presence of cocaine has historically been regulated through its metabolite benzoylecgonine (BZE) in blood and urine. While testing specifications had yet to be determined for blood, HIWU conducted an investigation, reviewed scientific literature, and consulted with scientific advisors and laboratory directors to establish suitable testing specifications for blood.

As a result of their findings, HIWU concluded that the levels of BZE detected in the blood samples for Hendriks and Brion’s horses did not exceed the new blood testing specification and that the cases would be withdrawn in the interest of fairness to horsemen and program consistency. It was noted that Brion is grateful for her name being restored; however, there is a call for further examination into the concept of ‘gotcha testing’. Brion’s attorney, Drew Mollica, urged that “the concept of ‘gotcha testing’ needs to be further examined” and that “this kind of testing does not prevent doping. It ruins careers.”