California racing fans who are curious why Del Mar’s leading trainer, John Sadler, reportedly has had 18 horses test positive for steroids since July 1 will have the opportunity to quiz him on the subject during a “Donut Days” promotion at the Southern California seaside racetrack Saturday morning from 8-10 a.m. The program, emceed by track announcer Trevor Denman, promises a “behind-the-scenes look into the world of Thoroughbred racing.” If medication issues come up with questions from the audience, however, it may not be the behind-the-scenes examination the track’s marketing department was looking to promote.

(UPDATE: Sadler scratched from Donuts Days)

Sadler, with 25 winners from 83 starters at the current meet for a 30% win percentage, will saddle Zappa in Sunday’s Pacific Classic. But he’s been in the news this week following a search of his Del Mar barn by California Horse Racing Board investigators and the disclosure by CHRB executive director Kirk Breed that Sadler’s horses have accounted for 18 of the 38 positive tests among all trainers for anabolics since July 1. Mike Mitchell, who is second behind Sadler in the Del Mar trainer standings, has had 10 horses test positive for anabolic steroids, according to Breed. Those figures were first reported by Thoroughbred Times. A total of 418 tests have been conducted.

Jeff Mullins, third in the trainer standings, is facing a possible suspension and fine after one of his horses exceeded the permitted level for TCO2 (bicarbonates, or milkshaking). The positive occurred while Mullins was on probation for an earlier violation. Doug O’Neill, who is fourth in the trainer standings, was forced to have his horses stabled in a detention barn at the outset of the Del Mar meeting because of an earlier medication charge by the CHRB.

Sadler currently is president of California Thoroughbred Trainers and Mullins is on the organization’s board of directors.

The CHRB’s ban on anabolic steroids was phased in after testing began July 1, with warning letters issued for positive tests during the month of July. Starting Aug. 1, a positive test was to be considered an official violation, with a notation on the trainer’s record and public notification, but no penalties were to be assessed until Sept. 4, when steroids are reclassified from Class 4 to Class 3 drugs. Beginning with races on Sept. 4, steroid positives could result in a fine, suspension and redistribution of the purse.

The CHRB’s chairman, Richard Shapiro, and executive director Breed have admitted with the benefit of hindsight that the phased-in approach was a mistake. On Thursday, the CHRB took an additional step of announcing that any horse administered anabolic steroids on or after Aug. 22 will be placed on the vet’s list for a minimum of 30 days.

A Thursday press release from the CHRB quoted an “obviously angry” Shapiro saying, “We mean business!” after the board’s medical director, Rick Arthur, reported  at a Medication Committee meeting that some trainers were still using steroids. The press release also quoted CHRB vice chairman John Harris saying: “We will have no sympathy for any owners or trainers who flaunt our rules.” The meeting occurred the day after the search of Sadler’s barn.

The “Donut Days” promotion takes place at the west end of the grandstand. Other scheduled guests are retired Hall of Fame jockey Eddie Delahoussaye and Jockeys’ Guild representative Darrell Haire. 

Donuts are being provided by Yum Yum Donuts.

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