HOBBS, NM—OCTOBER 27, 2014— New Mexico Racing Commission stewards scratched Jm Blu Moonflash from Sunday’s $289,728 New Mexico Classic Futurity at Zia Park after penalties from the Association of Racing Commissioners International model rules for multiple drug offenses were imposed on both the horse’s owner, J and M Racing and Farm, and the horse.

According to stewards, J & M Racing and Farm runners recently received their fourth Category B medication violation of the past year when Jm Blu Moonflash tested positive for clenbuterol after winning a futurity trial at Ruidoso Downs May 30.

J & M Racing and Farm is owned by Javier and Elsa Marquez of Monahans, Texas. The stable also owns 2014 All American Futurity winner Jm Miracle.

Jm Blu Moonflash qualified for the New Mexico Classic Futurity finals with a second-place finish in the trials at Zia Park on Oct. 11. The following day, however, stewards held a hearing on the May 30 clenbuterol violation and a short time later issued a ruling that included a penalty on the horse’s owner because it was the fourth Category B penalty for horses owned by J & M Racing and Farm within the year. Clenbuterol is a bronchodilator that can have anabolic steroidal effects on horses.

That penalty, following the RCI recommended penalty and model rule, resulted in disqualification of Jm Blu Moonflash, loss of purse, and a $5,000 fine. Jm Blu Moonflash has been placed on the veterinarian’s list for 45 days and must pass a commission-approved examination before becoming eligible to be entered.

Jose Muela was the trainer of record when Jm Blu Moonflash tested positive for clenbuterol May 30. He subsequently served a 60-day suspension for a separate clenbuterol positive in April and the horse was transferred to the name of Umberto Belloc, the trainer of record when Jm Blu Moonflash qualified for the New Mexico Classic Futurity on Oct. 11.

Belloc was also the trainer of record of Jm Miracle when he won the All American Futurity.