Litfin is suspended 5 years by HISA for ‘paper training’

Trainer Nevada Litfin has been suspended five years and fined $2,500 by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority for violating terms of an earlier suspension. As first reported by BloodHorse, Litfin admitted to ‘paper training,’ which included caring for and training covered horses, while serving a suspension between Aug. 23, 2023 and Jan. 21, 2024 for medication violations.

In addition, HISA suspended groom Heather Davis for three years and trainer Briannah McDaniel, who admitted to being Litfin’s ‘paper trainer’ during his period of ineligibility, for 45 days. McDaniel provided substantial assistance to the Authority during the proceedings and agreed to abide by and complete the the terms of her substantial-assistance agreement with the Authority. Her suspension is from last Friday – Aug. 12.

The HISA order signed by HISA board of directors chair Charles Scheeler stated that Litfin, Davis and McDaniel all agreed to the terms. Litfin waived any hearing on this matter and specifically waived his right to present testimony, evidence, and argument to the board.

Litfin did continue to run horses last fall and winter in Louisiana, which is currently exempt from HISA rules and regulations. He last ran a horse in his name on Feb. 10 at Delta Downs.