Patrick Biancone - Cobra Venom

Cobra Venom

On June 22, 2007, Biancone became the subject of an investigation by the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority (KHRA) and his Keeneland barns were raided by Kentucky stewards.

Cobra venom, which is barred by state regulation from racetrack grounds, was found in a crystalline form in a refrigerator in Biancone's barn during the raid. Snake venom is a neurotoxin that can be injected to deaden pain in a joint or nerve.

On September 17, 2007 Dr. Rodney Stewart, Biancone's veterinarian, was suspended for a total of five years by the KHRA for possessing Cobra Venom, two other Class A Drugs, and various other violations that resulted from the investigation after the June raid.

On October 4, 2007 Biancone was suspended for one year in by The KHRA, a penalty that on October 17, 2007 was shortened to a 6-month suspension with the caveat that Biancone could not apply for a trainer's license for another 6-months after the suspension ends. As a part of this settlement, Biancone agreed to remove his name as the "trainer of record" for his Breeders' Cup entries and to end his appeal of the suspension. During the suspension his horses were moved to trainers that he has no business relationship, and he is banned from both the public and private areas of Kentucky race tracks (and through reciprocity all North American tracks).

The day after his settlement agreement with the KHRA, Biancone issued a press release that indicated that he was innocent.