Petitioner: DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION, DIVISION OF PARI-MUTUEL WAGERING
Respondent: RALPH G. ZIADIE
Judges: JOHN G. VAN LANINGHAM
Agency: Department of Business and Professional Regulation
Locations: Lauderdale Lakes, Florida
Filed: Aug. 08, 2018
Status: Closed
Settled and/or Dismissed prior to entry of RO/FO on Friday, September 28, 2018.
Latest Update: Mar. 10, 2025
FILED
Department of Business and Professional Regulation
Deputy Agency Clerk
CLERK Evetle Lawson-Proctor
Date 7/27/2018
STATE OF FLORIDA File #
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION
DIVISION OF PARI-MUTUEL WAGERING
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND
PROFESSIONAL REGULATION,
DIVISION OF PARI-MUTUEL WAGERING,
Petitioner, DBPR Case Nos. 2018-031371
7 2018-035657
RALPH G. ZIADIE,
Respondent.
/
ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINT
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Pari-Mutuel
Wagering (“Petitioner” or “Division”), files this Administrative Complaint against Ralph G.
Ziadie (“Respondent”) and alleges as follows:
1. Petitioner is the state agency charged with regulating pari-mutuel wagering
pursuant to chapter 550, Florida Statutes.
2. At all times material hereto, Respondent held a pari-mutuel wagering individual
occupational license, number 15609-1021, issued by the Division.
By At all times material hereto, Gulfstream Park and Tropical Park are facilities
operated by permitholders authorized to conduct pari-mutuel wagering in this state under chapter
550, Florida Statutes.
4. Section 550.2415(1)(a), Florida Statutes, provides that:
The racing of an animal that has been impermissibly medicated or
determined to have a prohibited substance present is prohibited. It
is a violation of this section for a person to impermissibly medicate
an animal or for an animal to have a prohibited substance present
resulting in a positive test for such medications or substances based
Page | of 8
on samples taken from the animal before or immediately after the
racing of that animal.
5. Section 550.2415(1)(c), Florida Statutes, states “[t]he finding of a prohibited
substance in a race-day specimen constitutes prima facie evidence that the substance was
administered and was carried in the body of the animal while participating in the race.”
6. Rule 61D-6.002(1), Florida Administrative Code, provides “[t]he trainer of record
shall be responsible for and be the absolute insurer of the condition of the horses...he/she enters
to race.”
COUNT I
DBPR Case No. 2018-031371
7. Petitioner hereby realleges and incorporates the allegations contained within
paragraphs one through six as though fully set forth herein.
8. At all times material hereto, Respondent was the trainer of record for a racing
horse named “TELESA,” with tattoo number “Q07033.”
9. On May 19, 2018, “TELESA” participated in the first race of the afternoon
performance at Gulfstream Park performed by Tropical Park (“the first race”).
10... “TELESA” finished in second place in the first race.
11. On May 19, 2018, a Division employee collected blood serum sample number
910620 from “TELESA.”
12. Blood serum sample number 910620 was processed and forwarded to the
University of Florida Racing Laboratory (“the lab”) for analysis.
13. The lab tested blood serum sample number 910620 and found that it contained
flunixin and phenylbutazone, which are anti-inflammatories and Class IV drugs under the
Page 2 of 8
Uniform Classification Guidelines for Foreign Substances as promulgated by the Association of
Racing Commissioners Intentional, Inc.
14. Flunixin was detected at a blood serum concentration of 4.86 +/- 0.13 ng/mL in
blood serum sample number 910620.
15. Phenylbutazone was detected at a blood serum concentration of 1.645 +/- 0.025
g/mL in blood serum sample number 910620.
16. According to rule 61D-6.008(3)(a), Florida Administrative Code, flunixin
detected at a secondary blood serum concentration greater than 3 ng/mL is prohibited.
17. According to rule 61D-6.008(3)(c), Florida Administrative Code, phenylbutazone
detected at a secondary blood serum concentration greater than 0.3 ug/mL is prohibited.
COUNT II
18. Petitioner hereby realleges and incorporates the allegations contained within
paragraphs one through six as though fully set forth herein.
19. At all times material hereto, Respondent was the trainer of record for a racing
horse named “PAY ANY PRICE,” with tattoo number “N20291.”
20. On June 3, 2018, “PAY ANY PRICE” participated in the fourth race of the
afternoon performance at Gulfstream Park performed by Tropica! Park (‘the fourth race”).
21. “PAY ANY PRICE” finished in first place in the fourth race.
22. On June 3, 2018, a Division employee collected blood serum sample number
910321 from “PAY ANY PRICE.”
23. Blood serum sample number 910321 was processed and forwarded to the
University of Florida Racing Laboratory (‘the lab”) for analysis.
Page 3 of 8
24. The lab tested blood serum sample number 910321 and found that it contained
flunixin and phenylbutazone, which are anti-inflammatories and Class 4 drugs under the
Uniform Classification Guidelines for Foreign Substances as promulgated by the Association of
Racing Commissioners International, Inc.
25. Flunixin was detected at a blood serum concentration of 3.8 +/- 0.26 ng/mL in
blood serum sample number 910321.
26. Phenylbutazone was detected at a blood serum concentration of 2.075 +/- 0.05
pg/mL in blood serum sample number 910321.
27. According to rule 61D-6.008(3)(a), Florida Administrative Code, flunixin
detected at a secondary blood serum concentration greater than 3 ng/mL is prohibited.
28. According to rule 61D-6.008(3)(c), Florida Administrative Code, phenylbutazone
detected at a secondary blood serum concentration greater than 0.3 ug/mL is prohibited.
WHEREFORE, Petitioner respectfully requests the Division Director enter an Order
imposing against Respondent, one or more of the penalties specified in rule 61D-6.011, Florida
Administrative Code, sections 550.105(5)(b), Florida Statutes, and/or 550.2415(3)(a), Florida
Statutes, and/or any other relief that the Division is authorized to impose pursuant to chapter 550,
and/or the rules promulgated thereunder.
(SIGNATURES APPEAR ON FOLLOWING PAGE)
Page 4 of 8
This Administrative Complaint in DBPR Case Nos. 2018-031371 and 2018-035657 is
signed this 26th day of July, 2018.
/s/ James A. Lewis
JAMES A. LEWIS
Assistant General Counsel
Florida Bar No. 1002349
James.Lewis@MyFloridaLicense.com
/s/ Louis Trombetta
LOUIS TROMBETTA
Chief Attorney
Florida Bar No. 0108119
Louis.Trombetta@MyFloridaLicense.com
Office of the General Counsel
Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering
Department of Business and Professional Regulation
2601 Blair Stone Road, Mai! Stop N21
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2202
Telephone: (850)-717-1585
Facsimile: (850) 921-1311
NOTICE OF RIGHTS TO REQUEST A HEARING
Pursuant to sections 120.569 and 120.57, Florida Statutes, you have the right to request a
hearing to challenge the charges contained in this Administrative Complaint. If you choose to
request a hearing, you will have the right to be represented by counsel, or other qualified
representative, to present evidence and argument, to call and cross-examine witnesses, and to
have subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum issued on your behalf.
Any request for an administrative proceeding to challenge or contest the charges
contained in this Administrative Complaint must conform to rule 28-106.2015, Florida
Administrative Code. Pursuant to rule 28-106.111, Florida Administrative Code, you must
request a hearing within 21 days from receipt of this Notice, or you will waive your right to
request a hearing.
Page 5 of 8
NOTICE OF RIGHT TO REQUEST A SPLIT SAMPLE
Pursuant to rule 61D-6.006, Florida Administrative Code, you have the right to request a
split sample with respect to each “Report of Positive Result” from the UF Lab. (Copy attached as
Exhibits “A” and “B”). To request a split sample, use Form DBPR PMW-3290, Notification to
Stewards/Judge of Split Sample Request (Form 3290).
You can obtain Form 3290, as well as a list of approved split samples laboratories, at the
State Office located in any Florida pari-mutuel facility, or on the Division’s website:
www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/pmw/forms.html. You must submit Form 3290 to the state
steward, Division hearing officer, or office of the General Counsel, within 10 days from receipt
of this Notice, or you will waive your right to request a split sample.
Page 6 of 8
58-12-18; 03: OPH; oui Qperseene
ome S12 //8 9g 106: 20
UF GRID of Qf sxx | noe —
FLORIDA ANIMAL — éles
College of Medicine coror DRA) Be sex (Y\ ace —Z
Department of Pathology, lnmun: d Labor Me
ae chorale ology am aery FiNsH___2—__
Racing Laboratory RACE
TRACK ;
TRAINER _/C2
June 12, 2018 - nat
SAMPLED BY /Y4% 20:
Mr. Robert Ehrhardt, Director SAMPLED BY. (uAINe
Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering
Dapartment of Business and Professional Regulation
2601 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1037
LICENSE NUMBER
RE: Report of Positive Result
Sample 910620 has been analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandam
to contain the tallowing:
TATTOO NUMBER,
RL.252-01
tunixin found in serum
flunixin (an anti-inflammatary; analgesic ane class 4 drug} - the concentration of flunixin is 4.86 +/- 0.13 ng/mL.
phenylbutazone found in serum
phenylbutazone (an anti-inflammatory and ciass ¢ drug) - the concentration of phenylbutazone is 1.645 +/- 06.025
ygfmi.
D046125-FHB Horse Serum 10.1 dig INTACT
Laboratory Number Spacimen Final | Weight Seal
Tropica) Park 05/18/2018 __ 08/22/2018
Collected From Date Collected Date Received
Pursuarit to Chapter 650.2415 (1}, F.S., the public disclosure of the information contained in this Report of
Positive Result is authorized on or atter 06/21/2018, or upon commencement of administrative action, whichever
occurs first.
DRoxige te AL. Wlileaane &
Margaret H. ing, FAORC ~ David M. Tiffany, FAORC.
As .
sociate Direotor Chemist IV
University of Florida Racing Las
ISQMEC 17025-2005 ANAB
Conrtificate # AT-1642
Page 1 of 1 48-199
The Foundation for The Gator Nation
An @quat Opportunity Institution
EXHIBIT A
Page 7 of 8
GE- 20-985 U4 24PM; PMB Gaon or
DATE OS1E SP 9 10 32 1
UF HORI Yn, FE ag fee
College of Medicine COLOR A SEX AGE
Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Me FINISH l RACE
Racing Laboratory 3
TRACK
jyno2s gore | TRAINER KA ph 2}
, 201 ;
“ne sampen By 23i¢ 1 Cabe =
Mr. Robert Ehrhardt, Director SAMPLED BY pg
Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering yi
Department of Business and Professional Regulation STATE ‘GatnEss)
2601 Blair Stone Road Jose Dp? .
Tallahassee, FL. 32499-1037 OWNER’S meni E =) LD,
LICENSE NUMBER —
RE: Report of Positive Resutt TATTOO NUMBER 2024
RL.262-01
Sample $10321 has been analyzed by liquid chromatography-tanden
to contain tha following:
flunixin tound In serum
flunixin {an antiinflammatory, analgesic and eiass 4 drug) - the concentration of flunixin is 3.6 +/- 0.26 ng/mL.
phenylbutazone found In serum
phenylbutazone (an anti-inflammatory and class 4 drug) - the concentration of phenylbutazone is 2.075 +/- 0.05
g/mL.
D048905-FHA Horse Serum 10.39 INTACT
Laboratory Number Specimen Final Weight Seal
Tropical Park 06/03/2018 06/05/2018
Collected From Date Co#ected Date Received
Pursuant to Chapter 550.2415 (1), F.S., the public disclosure of the Information contained in this Report of
Positive Result is authorized on or after 07/05/2018, or upon commencement of adtninistrative action, whichever
occurs first.
BrboMbe
David M. Titfany, FAORG Brooks Nelson
Chemist V Chemist ltl
University of Florida Racing Lab
ISonec 17026-2005
| Conmmcate # AT- Page 1 of 1 18-215
‘The Foundation for The Gator Nation
‘An Equal Opportunity (nstiiuzon
EXHIBIT B
Page 8 of 8
Docket for Case No: 18-004165PL
Issue Date |
Proceedings |
Sep. 28, 2018 |
Order Closing Files and Relinquishing Jurisdiction CASE CLOSED.
|
Sep. 26, 2018 |
Joint Motion to Place Case in Abeyance filed.
|
Sep. 26, 2018 |
Order Allowing Witness to Testify by Telephone.
|
Sep. 25, 2018 |
Notice of Court Reporter filed.
|
Sep. 25, 2018 |
Division's Unopposed Motion for Leave to Present Telephonic Testimony filed.
|
Sep. 24, 2018 |
Joint Pre-hearing Stipulation filed.
|
Sep. 24, 2018 |
Notice of Filing Response to Division?s First Request for Admissions, Answers to Division?s First Set of Interrogatories and Response to Division?s First Request for Production filed.
|
Sep. 12, 2018 |
Division's Notice of Service of It's First Requests for Admissions, Production, and Interrogatories filed.
|
Sep. 12, 2018 |
Division's First Request for Admissions filed.
|
Aug. 10, 2018 |
Order of Pre-hearing Instructions.
|
Aug. 10, 2018 |
Notice of Hearing by Video Teleconference (hearing set for October 3 and 4, 2018; 9:00 a.m.; Lauderdale Lakes and Tallahassee, FL).
|
Aug. 09, 2018 |
Order of Consolidation (DOAH Case Nos. 18-4000, and 18-4165PL).
|
Aug. 09, 2018 |
Initial Order.
|
Aug. 08, 2018 |
Petitioner's Unopposed Motion to Consolidate filed.
|
Aug. 08, 2018 |
Election of Rights filed.
|
Aug. 08, 2018 |
Administrative Complaint filed.
|
Aug. 08, 2018 |
Agency referral filed.
|