HISA announced Tuesday that Penn National veterinarian Allen Post Bonnell has agreed to a lifetime ban from practicing medicine on Thoroughbreds following allegations of repeated violations of intra-articular injection rules.
The 81-year-old veterinarian, who has practiced for 45 years, signed a consent order May 7 that permanently bars him from treating horses covered by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority.
The ban extends beyond veterinary practice, prohibiting Bonnell from “participating in any activity” at any racetrack or training facility.
According to the consent order, Bonnell’s acceptance of the lifetime ban resolves only the HISA charges against him, remaining separate from any potential charges that might be issued by the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit.
The case originated from an investigation led by the Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission last year. Findings revealed Bonnell allegedly conspired with 13 trainers from May 2023 through November 2024 to administer intra-articular injections to Thoroughbreds within prohibited stand-down periods.
These actions directly violated HISA’s Anti-Doping and Medication Control and Racetrack Safety Programs.
The PSHRC investigative report, later transferred to HISA, detailed Bonnell’s admissions to investigators.
“Dr. Bonnell informed investigators that trainers will request his services for intra-articular injections because they know he will not report them as required, allowing them to run their horses during the time they should have been placed on the veterinarians list,” the report stated.
Investigators noted Bonnell claimed his actions were “harmless,” suggesting the injections merely helped horses with pain and inflammation. He reportedly explained his failure to report treatments was because the injections would be “worthless if it’s done too far out because it eventually wears off.”
In a November article published by Paulick Report following his summary suspension by the PSHRC, Bonnell expressed his belief that “HISA rules are a nightmare” and “don’t make any sense.”
HISA strongly refuted this characterization in a February press release, noting the serious consequences of the alleged violations. Of more than 100 unique horses alleged to have breezed or raced in violation of HISA’s intra-articular stand-down times, 30% never raced again, “strongly suggesting these injections were used to mask pain.”
Approximately 10% of the horses were observed to be lame post-race by regulatory veterinarians. Three horses were euthanized as a direct result of injuries sustained in those races, according to HISA.
Under HISA’s regulations, horses treated with intra-articular injections are prohibited from racing within 14 days or performing workouts within seven days of treatment.
