Biancone suspension extended

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC)

on Monday approved a settlement agreement to extend the suspension of trainer

Patrick Biancone through October 31. The agreement means Biancone may not train

anywhere before November 1.

The action followed an investigation by KHRC staff of Biancone's activities

while he was serving a six-month suspension. Biancone had been prohibited from

training horses in Kentucky from November 1, 2007 through April 30, 2008.

Biancone maintains that he complied with the original suspension and said that

agreeing to the settlement does not imply an admission of guilt.

The commission, then known as the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority, suspended

Biancone October 17, 2007 for possessing banned medications at a racetrack. The medications were discovered June 22, 2007, during a search of three barns

leased by Biancone on the grounds of Keeneland Race Course in Lexington. 

The latest action follows a KHRC investigation into Biancone's activities at the

Hurricane Hall Farm in Lexington during the six-month suspension.

"All disciplinary agreements approved by the commission are expected to be

carried out by all parties and Mr. Biancone is no exception," said Lisa

Underwood, the commission's executive director. "The commission will take the actions

necessary to make sure its orders are followed. These actions are taken to

ensure the integrity of horse racing in Kentucky."