Jeffrey Gillis, Ontario horse trainer, suspended 10 years and fined $40,000 for buying illegal performance-enhancing drugs linked to US veterinarian.
Ontario Horse Trainer Jeffrey Gillis Suspended for PED Use
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has suspended Jeffrey Gillis, a prominent standardbred horse trainer from the Guelph area, for 10 years and imposed a $40,000 fine after an investigation revealed he purchased performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) for racehorses.
Investigation Uncovers Illegal Drug Purchases
Gillis was implicated in a broad investigation led by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation, which charged 27 individuals—including trainers and veterinarians—involved in the systematic distribution of illegal PEDs to racehorses across multiple jurisdictions. Records show Gillis bought illegal substances, including synthetic erythropoietin (EPO), a blood-boosting drug, from U.S.-based veterinarian Seth Fishman, who was sentenced to 11 years in prison for manufacturing untestable PEDs.
Impact on Horses and Racing Eligibility
As part of the AGCO ruling, all horses owned wholly or partly by Gillis are barred from racing for 10 years. Horses currently trained by Gillis are ineligible to race but may be transferred to other trainers or sold with AGCO approval.
Gillis’ Career Highlights and Achievements
Jeffrey Gillis has been a successful figure in harness racing, with a career spanning back to 2003. He has trained at Woodbine Racetrack and Woodbine Mohawk Park and earned significant purse winnings, including over $2.9 million in 2010 and consistent million-dollar seasons. He won an O’Brien Award in 2020 for training the trotting mare Hey Livvy and trained Covered Bridge, winner of the prestigious Gold Cup and Saucer in 2023 and 2024.
Strong Stance on Integrity and Fair Play
Karin Schnarr, AGCO’s registrar and CEO, emphasized that doping is a serious violation that undermines the sport’s integrity and horse welfare. The AGCO remains committed to strict enforcement and holding offenders accountable. The United States Trotting Association and the Atlantic Provinces Harness Racing Commission have pledged to enforce reciprocal disciplinary actions, reinforcing the commitment to clean sport and fair competition.
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