Two more horses saddled by Gary Contessa, the second-leading trainer at the Aqueduct winter meet, have tested positive for ephedra, according to the N.Y. State Racing and Wagering Board, bringing the total to eight since the first pair of positives were announced Feb. 2.
The names of the horses have not been revealed, and the SRWB has yet to issue a ruling. Board spokesperson Stacy Clifford said she believed all relevant samples have been tested and “hopefully, this is the end of it.”
Contessa has said the ephedra was contained in an herbal vitamin supplement he was feeding his horses, but not listed among the ingredients.
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Ellie’s Moment, never far back in the field of four fillies and mares, blew by front-running 3-5 favorite Pocus Hocus in midstretch, then drew off to win yesterday’s $75,000 Rare Treat Handicap by 6 ½ lengths.
“She had a lot of momentum coming off the turn, and I just got her to the outside to give her a clear path,” said jockey Shaun Bridgmohan. “As soon as I said it was time to go, she really responded.”
Trained by Jimmy Toner, Ellie’s Moment ran the mile-and-an-eighth in 1:51. She paid $5.90, with Pocus Hocus holding on to complete a $12 exacta.