Biancone banned over cobra venom vials

The greatest carnival on the American Turf will take place next week amid renewed anguish over the silent contamination at its heart. Seven of the horses entered for the 24th Breeders' Cup are trained by Patrick Biancone, but it emerged yesterday that he will now be transferring them to the care of other trainers. The Frenchman has agreed not to attend the meeting at Monmouth Park, as he prepares to serve a suspension that signals a crackdown on drugs in the American sport.

The details could scarcely be more arresting. Biancone, after all, is one of the most flamboyant talents in the global sport. And the prohibited substance discovered in a refrigerator at his Keeneland barn? Three vials of cobra venom, a substance which can be used as a painkiller.

Biancone, 55, is furious over the latest stain on his colourful, brilliant, nomadic career. Regardless of the merits of this particular case, however, others will welcome a hard line from American regulators as long overdue. Suspicion over the practices of some trainers has smouldered behind the blazing improvement in their horses. Biancone was by no means one of them, and will be heartbroken if as innocent as he says. But if someone is making an example of him, it is one nobody will be able to ignore.

His attorney has expressed his angry that Biancone is being used as a "poster boy" in the campaign against medication violations. On being given a one-year suspension by the Kentucky racing authorities this month, Biancone stated he had "no knowledge" that the vials had been placed in his barn. He claimed to have taken a lie-detector test confirming his honesty.

His attorney, Alan Foeman, was quoted as saying: "It's obvious this case is being handled in a way to deliver a message. One year is beyond any penalty I've seen for an offence of this nature with this set of facts."

Initially granted a stay of the suspension, pending an appeal, Biancone came to an agreement with the Kentucky regulators on Wednesday. He will be suspended for six months from 1 November, during which he will be barred from the races, and has agreed not to seek a racing licence in any jurisdiction for six months thereafter. He will be permitted access to public areas of racecourses and can act as a bloodstock agent or manager.

Rodney Stewart, Biancone's veterinarian, has been suspended for five years, investigators having discovered mislabelled medications when searching his truck the same day. He has appealed against his ban.

Biancone will not be permitted any financial benefit from the horses transferred from his care. The Kentucky authorities will be able to examine his financial records to ensure compliance.

An artist among trainers, who talks with an eloquence rare in the profession, Biancone announced himself in his homeland, training the great racemare Triptych and winning the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in successive years with All Along (1983) and Sagace (1984). Moving on to Hong Kong in the 1990s, Biancone faced disgrace when given a nine-month suspension in 2000, several horses in his care having tested positive for prohibited substances. He made a fresh start in the United States, and includes Michael Tabor among his loyal patrons. Nor has his success been confined to horses. He has been mentor to some of the best jockeys in the world, most recently the phenomenon Julien Leparoux.

Many will remember Biancone when the Champion Stakes is run at Newmarket tomorrow. He won the race with Palace Music in 1984 and Triptych in 1986 and 1987. The declarations this time include French raiders Doctor Dino and Literato, though the favourite is still Notnowcato.

Sir Michael Stoute, his trainer, has welcomed recent rain, but Godolphin warn that Rio De La Plata will take his place in a vintage Dewhurst Stakes only if the ground dries out.

Chris McGrath

Nap: Marodima

(Cheltenham 2.55)

NB: Kafuu

(Newmarket 4.55)