Top horse racing trainer pleads guilty to global doping ring and could serve five years in prison on top of repaying $25.9 million in winnings
A prominent horse racing trainer pleaded guilty on Wednesday to involvement in what US prosecutors have called a global scheme to systematically drug horses and cheat the betting public.
Jorge Navarro admitted in federal court in Manhattan to involvement in a conspiracy to administer performance-enhancing drugs to horses, in order to win more prize money at racetracks.
He could face five years in prison at his December 17 sentencing and agreed to pay $25.9 million in restitution, reflecting winnings tied to doping. US District Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil accepted Navarro's plea.
A prominent horse racing trainer pleaded guilty on Wednesday to involvement in what US prosecutors have called a global scheme to systematically drug horses and cheat the betting public. Jorge Navarro admitted in federal court in Manhattan to involvement in a conspiracy to administer performance-enhancing drugs to horses, in order to win more prize money at racetracks. Navarro's career winnings total $34.9 million, led by $3 million for the gelding X Y Jet , according to racing industry database provider Equibase
Prosecutors said Navarro regularly drugged X Y Jet , including with a substance he called 'monkey,' in March 2019 before it won the Dubai Golden Shaheen, collecting $1.5 million. X Y Jet died of an apparent heart attack in January 2020
'As he admitted today, Navarro, a licensed trainer and the purported ''winner'' of major races across the world, was in fact a reckless fraudster whose veneer of success relied on the systematic abuse of the animals under his control,' US Attorney Audrey Strauss in Manhattan said in a statement.
Jason Kreiss, Navarro's lawyer, said in an email the trainer accepted responsibility for his actions.
At last 31 trainers, veterinarians, drug distributors and others have been charged since March 2020 over alleged doping affecting races in New York, Kentucky, Florida, New Jersey, Ohio and the United Arab Emirates.
Seven defendants have pleaded guilty and one entered a deferred prosecution agreement, court records show.
Other defendants include Jason Servis, the trainer of Maximum Security, which appeared to win the 2019 Kentucky Derby before being disqualified for interference
Country House #20, ridden by jockey Flavien Prat, War of Will #1, ridden by jockey Tyler Gaffalione , Maximum Security #7, ridden by jockey Luis Saez and Code of Honor #13, ridden by jockey John Velazquez fight for position in the final turn during the 145th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 04, 2019 in Louisville, Kentucky. Country House #20 was declared the winner after a stewards review disqualified Maximum Security
Other defendants include Jason Servis, the trainer of Maximum Security, which appeared to win the 2019 Kentucky Derby before being disqualified for interference.
That horse also won the $20 million Saudi Cup, the world's richest horse race, before Servis was charged.
Servis is seeking to suppress a variety of wiretap evidence, including from Navarro's phone. Rita Glavin, a lawyer for Servis, declined to comment.
Navarro's career winnings total $34.9 million, led by $3 million for the gelding X Y Jet, according to racing industry database provider Equibase.
Prosecutors said Navarro regularly drugged that horse, including with a substance he called 'monkey,' in March 2019 before it won the Dubai Golden Shaheen, collecting $1.5 million.
X Y Jet died of an apparent heart attack in January 2020.