Published on: January 7, 2026, 04:36h.
Updated on: January 7, 2026, 04:37h.
- Regulator acknowledges FBI evidence received in 2023, overlooked it.
- Documents linked to Seth Fishman’s doping operation and federal indictments.
- Prosecutors associate drugs with at least 20 equine fatalities.
The New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) has reportedly remained inactive for several years regarding evidence from the FBI that indicated numerous trainers and owners were implicated in a significant doping scandal, as highlighted by New York Focus.
Currently, the regulator has stated that it is reassessing the FBI’s findings, which connect to a major federal case that was revealed in March 2020.
In this case, 27 individuals were charged with various conspiracies related to the application of “adulterated and misbranded” performance-enhancing drugs on racehorses in the United States and internationally.
Federal officials indicated that these substances were intended to covertly enhance performance, putting the horses’ safety in jeopardy.
Shady Veterinarian
In 2022, Florida vet Seth Fishman was found guilty of offenses relating to drug adulteration and misbranding, leading to an 11-year prison term. Prosecutors allege that Fishman sold tailored, “untestable” performance-enhancing substances to a multitude of trainers in the industry.
NYSGC spokesperson Lee Park informed New York Focus that a staff member received “critical documents” in 2023 but “did not take any action or distribute to appropriate personnel.” Park also mentioned that the investigator has been placed on administrative leave.
This revelation follows repeated denials from the commission, suggesting they never received evidence from federal sources, as reported by New York Focus.
The FBI documentation contained financial details showcasing illegal drug purchases by various owners and trainers, including some who continued to compete afterward.
At least 280 individuals or stables procured illicit drugs from Fishman, collectively accruing over $40 million in winnings since his conviction, as uncovered by the outlet.
Despite this, other than the 12 individuals ultimately convicted alongside Fishman, the commission has yet to impose penalties on anyone for acquiring the rogue vet’s products.
20 Horse Fatalities
Among those implicated is racing magnate Howard Taylor, identified as one of the largest consumers of Fishman’s illicit products, with over 400 transactions logged from 2012 to 2018, according to New York Focus. He and his partners earned more than $26 million during this period.
Due to federal regulations against the acquisition of unauthorized animal drugs, prosecutors secured convictions for Fishman and his co-defendants without needing to demonstrate that they had actually administered the drugs to racehorses.
Nevertheless, prosecutors connected the doping operations to a minimum of 20 horse fatalities, as well as numerous severe racing injuries, including cardiac issues and broken bones arising from excessive exertion.
Fishman characterized his homemade drugs as “chemical warfare.”