GIII Sabin H. Winner Golden Velvet Was Victim Of “Sponging”

Darley's Golden Velvet (Seeking the Gold), who finished in a dead-heat for first in the Jan. 6 GIII Sabin H. at Gulfstream, was apparently “sponged” before the race, Gulfstream officials revealed Monday. Members of trainer Kiaran McLaughlin's crew noticed a foul odor days after the race, and discovered a sponge in the five-year-old mare's nasal passage. “Sponging” a horse is a felony. “The integrity of this sport is extremely important to all of us in this industry,” said Gulfstream Park President and General Manager Bill Murphy. “This matter is under investigation by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, and no compromises will be made as we protect the impeccable, better-than 70-year reputation this racetrack has earned and maintained.” The DBPR is racingís regulatory body in the state of Florida.