Panama trainer nailed by FBI  banned from horse contact

Panamanian trainer Jorge Navarro is one of 27 captured in an FBI operation in the first quarter of the year accused of having administered illicit drugs to his horses for years, in which the former Maximum Security trainer, Jason, is also involved.

 Navarro became one of the most frequent winners in recent years in the United States and won in Gulfstream and Monmouth Park, among others circuits, he was released on bail and will be able to travel from New York to Ocala to visit his family with the explicit order of the court to “not have any contact with horses.

Navarro was detained in March following an investigation conducted by the FBI that ended in a first wave of 27 arrests, including veterinarians and assistants, suppliers and manufacturers of prohibited drugs that were allegedly systematically administered by Navarro. their horses.

Another coach, Jason Servis -who achieved notoriety leading ‘ Maximum Security’ to win important races in 2019 and 2020- is also part of a process that has led the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia to not pay the $10 million for his victory in

February in the Saudi Cup.

According to its regulations, if it is proven that some type of illegal medicine was administered to the horse in the last 6 months, it would lead to its disqualification, in which case the prize would be paid to ‘Midnight Bisou’ , at the same time as the mare would be declared the winner of the first running of the classic.

The judge handling the case made it clear that “Navarro has permission to travel to South Florida for the sole purpose of visiting his family, obliged to notify him in advance to receive the corresponding authorization.”

A new hearing of the case will be held in November.

The Southern District of New York has stated that due to the impact of COVID-19 all processes have been significantly delayed.

cesses have been significantly delayed.