Quarter Horse trainer Clinton Crawford has been suspended for three months and fined $20,000 after two horses from his stable tested positive for ractopamine on back-to-back nights at Remington Park this spring. These sanctions were outlined in a consent agreement with the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission dated September 17 and published in the public rulings database managed by the Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI). Crawford’s suspension started on October 1 and will continue through December 31.
The positive tests involved Mystery V, who initially won an allowance race on April 9, and EBW Fire Away, who finished second in an allowance race the next evening. Both horses’ urine samples, analyzed by Industrial Laboratories, confirmed the presence of ractopamine. Following initial findings, Crawford requested confirmation testing, which reaffirmed the results.
Ractopamine, sometimes called “pig juice” in racing slang, is a feed additive used to enhance muscle development in certain livestock such as pigs. Oklahoma regulations prohibit the use of ractopamine in Quarter Horses and do not allow any level of it in competition.
During a hearing, Crawford presented evidence and expert testimony suggesting the positive results might have stemmed from feed contamination and offered mitigation efforts. Despite this, the commission and Crawford agreed in an order that the positive tests could not be disproven and that two violations of prohibited substance rules had taken place.
The order clarifies that the agreed suspension is not an acknowledgment that Crawford met the standards for mitigation under Oklahoma’s rules. He received concurrent three-month suspensions for each violation, along with a combined fine of $20,000.
As a result, Mystery V was disqualified from her April 9 allowance victory and had to forfeit the purse, while EBW Fire Away was also disqualified from his second-place finish on April 10 and stripped of his purse money.
Neither horse has competed since the positive tests. Both were placed on stewards’ and veterinary lists for a minimum of 180 days and can only return to racing after October 23, provided they pass blood testing by Industrial Laboratories (at the owner’s or trainer’s expense) and clear an exam conducted by an OHRC official veterinarian.
Crawford currently ranks seventh in the nation for Quarter Horse trainers by earnings. His career highlights include over 30 graded stakes wins since 2011, such as the 2015 All American Futurity and the 2016 Ruidoso Derby with Jess Good Candy. This year, he has already secured two Grade 1 victories with Toastin Heros.
This report was first published by Paulick Report on October 5, 2026, in the News section.
Fan Take: This case highlights the ongoing challenge of policing prohibited substances in horse racing, emphasizing the need for strict oversight to ensure fair competition and animal welfare. It serves as an important reminder to trainers and fans alike that violations can seriously impact reputations and the integrity of the sport.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
