No Breeders' Cup Championship for Patrick Biancone

Patrick Biancone will not be attempting an appeal in exchange for a settlement with the Kentucky Racing Authorities. (AP Images)

French trainer Patrick Biancone was accused of drug possession, including cobra venom, a neurotoxin that is used to block pain, which was found in a June 22 search of his barns at Keeneland. However, cobra venom is on the Kentucky Racing Rules list of Class A substances. This means that the effect of cobra venom is not considered therapeutic for horses and most likely has potential to affect performance.

A settlement proposed by Biancone will bar him from racing for six months. As well, Biancone will not be able to train, however he may go to races if he stays in public view. Biancone will not be showing his face at the Breeders' Cup Championships (Oct.26-27) at Monmouth Park, N.J., although his suspension goes into effect Nov. 1.

Under the agreement, Biancone will withdraw as a trainer for the seven horses he has pre-entered in the Breeders' Cup Stakes, though he is not prohibited from receiving any winnings. Officials say they wanted to come to an agreement before the Breeders' Cup for obvious reasons.

“The loss of a trainer’s license, for what is effectively a one-year period, is a serious penalty and supports the decision by the state racing stewards,” stated Bill Street, Kentucky Horse Racing Authority chairman.

Currently, Patrick Biancone is ranked No. 14 on NTRA.com’s trainer rankings. With 284 starts, his total earnings to date are $4,450,750. Get your Breeders' Cup picks over at the Bodog Racebook!