Callaghan Suspended, Fined For Shockwave Violation
By Dan Ross
Trainer Simon Callaghan has been suspended for 15 days and fined $5,000 for treatingthe unraced 3-year-old colt Federal Bureau (Medaglia d'Oro), a $1.2-million KEESEP buy, with three shockwave therapy treatments within 30 days prior to a workout, according to a Santa Anita board of stewards ruling dated Oct. 17. The suspension runs from Nov.14, 2021, through Nov. 28, 2021.
As a term of ruling, Callaghan is suspended from all CHRB premises, and “all licenses and license privileges of SIMON CALLAGHAN are suspended and pursuant to California Horse Racing Board rule #1528 (Jurisdiction of Stewards to Suspend or Fine),” according to the stewards' ruling.
Equine shockwave therapy is a treatment widely used on the backstretch for soft-tissue, musculoskeletal and bone problems such as sore shins.
Shockwaving also carries with it concerns over its analgesic properties, which can last up to three days post-treatment. Last year, the CHRB extended the post-treatment window for breezing from 10 days to 30.
The TDN texted Callaghan for comment but didn't receive a response before publication.