Latest news with #GoldenShaheen
Irish Daily Mirror
19-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Racing trainer that won €30m faces deportation after prison stint for doping
American-based horse trainer Jorge Navarro, known as 'Juice Man,' has been released from prison. The 50-year-old was granted early release from a federal prison in Florida after serving three years and three months of a five-year sentence for admitting to doping horses. Navarro was a key figure in a widespread 2020 doping scandal that saw more than 20 individuals charged, including Maximum Security trainer Jason Servis, who also received a prison sentence. These charges stemmed from a 2020 FBI investigation into the extensive use of performance-enhancing drugs involving a group of trainers, vets and drug distributors at racecourses across the USA and in the UAE. "I was the organiser for a criminal activity that involved five or more participants. I coordinated the administration of non-FDA approved drugs that were misbranded or adulterated to horses under my care," he told the court in 2021. "I abused a position of trust as I was a licensed horse trainer and the horses were in my custody at the time." The Department of Justice stated that Navarro, who trained over 1,200 winners with earnings close to €30million, "operated his doping scheme covertly, importing misbranded 'clenbuterol' that he both used and distributed to others, avoiding explicit discussion of PEDs during telephone calls, and working with others to coordinate the administration of PEDs at times that racing officials would not detect such cheating." One of the horses he doped was X Y Jet, winner of the valuable 2019 Golden Shaheen in Dubai. Among his preferred PEDs were various 'blood-building' drugs, which, when administered before intense physical exertion, can lead to cardiac issues or death. X Y Jet died of an apparent heart attack in 2020, reports the Mirror. Navarro won seven straight trainers' titles at Monmouth Park through 2019, but agreed to pay just under €23m in restitution four years ago, reflecting winnings tied to doping. At the time, New York district attorney Audrey Strauss described Navarro as: "A reckless fraudster whose veneer of success relied on the systematic abuse of the animals under his control." He earned the nickname 'Juice Man' following a viral video where he celebrated a winning horse trained by his brother, with a mate exclaiming "Juice Man!" and quipping: "That's the juice." Navarro was released from federal prison in Miami on Wednesday but now faces the threat of deportation, as the Panama native doesn't have US citizenship. Speaking after his release, Navarro's lawyer, Jason Kreiss, said: "Because of the fact he is not a US citizen, he is ineligible for the programs that others can take advantage of. Deportation is certainly a concern with this administration. "That's what we don't know. What is ICE is going to do with him at this point? With this administration these types of situations are very unpredictable. "In the past he would have most likely been released and if there was an immigration detainer, he'd be able to post a bond on the immigration detainer. With this administration and their denial of due process for non-US citizens we just don't know what's going to happen."
Daily Mirror
19-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Top racing trainer released from prison facing possible deportation from US
The one-time leading trainer secured early release from a five-year sentence having been a pivotal figure in a huge doping scandal in racing One-time leading trainer Jorge Navarro, known as the 'Juice Man', has been released from prison. The 50-year-old secured early release from federal prison in Florida having served three years and three months of a five year jail sentence after admitting doping horses. Navarro was a pivotal figure in a widespread doping scandal in which more than 20 people were charged including Maximum Security trainer Jason Servis, who was also jailed. The charges arose from a 2020 FBI investigation into the widespread use of performance-enhancing drugs involving a group of trainers, vets and drug distributors at tracks across the USA as well as in the UAE. The Department of Justice said Navarro, who trained more than 1,200 winners with earnings of nearly £26 million, 'operated his doping scheme covertly, importing misbranded 'clenbuterol' that he both used and distributed to others, avoiding explicit discussion of PEDs during telephone calls, and working with others to coordinate the administration of PEDs at times that racing officials would not detect such cheating.' One of the horses he doped was XY Jet, winner of the 2019 Golden Shaheen in Dubai. Among his preferred PEDs were various 'blood building' drugs, which, when administered before intense physical exertion, can lead to cardiac issues or death. XY Jet died of an apparent heart attack in 2020. At the time New York district attorney Audrey Strauss described Navarro as 'a reckless fraudster whose veneer of success relied on the systematic abuse of the animals under his control'. Navarro left federal prison in Miami on Wednesday but could now face deportation as the native of Panama does not hold US citizenship. He became widely known as 'Juice Man' after a viral video emerged of him celebrating a winner, trained by Navarro's brother, with a friend who shouted "Juice Man", adding "That's the juice".
Scottish Sun
18-06-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Disgraced horse trainer known as ‘Juice Man' set for release from prison after ‘extreme' doping scandal and £19m fine
He cheated the betting public with his prolific doping ON THE OUTSIDE ON THE OUTSIDE Disgraced horse trainer known as 'Juice Man' set for release from prison after 'extreme' doping scandal and £19m fine Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A DISGRACED horse trainer known as 'Juice Man' is set to be released from prison - after his role in an 'extreme' doping scandal that shamed the sport. Jorge Navarro, 50, was ordered to pay a £19million fine when he was sentenced to five years behind bars in December 2021. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Disgraced horse trainer Jorge Navarro had his own 'Juice Man' shoes - a dark reference to his prolific doping of racehorses 2 Jorge Navarro is set to be released from prison after admitting his role in one of racing's biggest ever doping scandals Credit: Rex The leading US trainer, who had more than 1,000 winners and bagged huge races including the Golden Shaheen in Dubai, was described as a 'reckless fraudster' and, amid tears, pleaded guilty to doping horses in a Manhattan courtroom. He said at the time: "I was hungry to be a winner and somewhere along the line the pressure got to me. "I thought I had to win to be respected in the racing industry. "I became a selfish person who only cared about winning and I lost my way. "I take responsibility for all that I have done and apologise to the people that I have hurt." A post from respected journalist Ray Paulick showed Navarro was due for release from a Miami prison on Tuesday, June 18. US District Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil handed down Navarro's sentence four-and-a-half years ago and, in summing up, described the scale of his cheating. She said: "For years, Mr Navarro, you effectively stole millions, cheating other trainers, owners and jockeys you competed against. "You also demonstrated a collective, callous disregard for the wellbeing of the horses. "The bottom line is you likely killed or endangered the horses in your care. "The reality is someone who loves horses does not subject them to such cruel and dangerous treatment." While US Attorney Damian Williams said: "Jorge Navarro's case reflects failings, greed, and corruption at virtually every level of the world of professional horse racing. "For money and fame, corrupt trainers went to increasing extremes to dope horses under their care. "Unscrupulous owners, who stood to profit directly, encouraged and pressured trainers to win at any cost. "Veterinarians sworn to the care and protection of their patients routinely violated their oaths in service of corrupt trainers and to line their own pockets. "Assistants and grooms all witnessed animal abuse in the service of greed, but did little to stop such conduct, and engaged in myriad ways to support notoriously corrupt trainers. "Structures designed for the protection of the horses abused in this case failed repeatedly; fixtures of the industry – owners, veterinarians, and trainers – flouted rules and disregarded their animals' health while hypocritically incanting a love for the horses under their control and ostensible protection. "Standing as the keystone for this structure of abuse, corruption, and duplicity was Jorge Navarro, a trainer who treated his animals as expendable commodities in the service of his 'sport.' "This sentence appropriately condemns the danger inherent in Navarro's crime and reflects the seriousness with which this Office takes the kind of abuse that Navarro practiced." Navarro's most famous horse was 2019 Shaheen winner X Y Jet, who he regularly drugged with a substance he called 'monkey'. The grey sprinter died from an apparent heart attack in January 2020. FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
The Irish Sun
18-06-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Disgraced horse trainer known as ‘Juice Man' set for release from prison after ‘extreme' doping scandal and £19m fine
A DISGRACED horse trainer known as 'Juice Man' is set to be released from prison - after his role in an 'extreme' doping scandal that shamed the sport. Jorge Navarro, 50, was ordered to pay a £19million fine when he was sentenced to Advertisement 2 Disgraced horse trainer Jorge Navarro had his own 'Juice Man' shoes - a dark reference to his prolific doping of racehorses 2 Jorge Navarro is set to be released from prison after admitting his role in one of racing's biggest ever doping scandals Credit: Rex The leading US trainer, who had more than 1,000 winners and bagged huge races including the Golden Shaheen in Dubai, was described as a 'reckless fraudster' and, amid tears, pleaded guilty to doping horses in a Manhattan courtroom. He said at the time: "I was hungry to be a winner and somewhere along the line the pressure got to me. "I thought I had to win to be respected in the racing industry. "I became a selfish person who only cared about winning and I lost my way. Advertisement "I take responsibility for all that I have done and apologise to the people that I have hurt." A post from respected journalist Ray Paulick showed Navarro was due for release from a Miami prison on Tuesday, June 18. US District Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil handed down Navarro's sentence four-and-a-half years ago and, in summing up, described the scale of his cheating. She said: "For years, Mr Navarro, you effectively stole millions, cheating other trainers, owners and jockeys you competed against. Advertisement Most read in Horse Racing "You also demonstrated a collective, callous disregard for the wellbeing of the horses. "The bottom line is you likely killed or endangered the horses in your care. "The reality is someone who loves horses does not subject them to such cruel and dangerous treatment." While US Attorney Damian Williams said: "Jorge Navarro's case reflects failings, greed, and corruption at virtually every level of the world of professional horse racing. Advertisement "For money and fame, corrupt trainers went to increasing extremes to dope horses under their care. "Unscrupulous owners, who stood to profit directly, encouraged and pressured trainers to win at any cost. "Veterinarians sworn to the care and protection of their patients routinely violated their oaths in service of corrupt trainers and to line their own pockets. "Assistants and grooms all witnessed animal abuse in the service of greed, but did little to stop such conduct, and engaged in myriad ways to support notoriously corrupt trainers. Advertisement "Structures designed for the protection of the horses abused in this case failed repeatedly; fixtures of the industry – owners, veterinarians, and trainers – flouted rules and disregarded their animals' health while hypocritically incanting a love for the horses under their control and ostensible protection. "Standing as the keystone for this structure of abuse, corruption, and duplicity was Jorge Navarro, a trainer who treated his animals as expendable commodities in the service of his 'sport.' "This sentence appropriately condemns the danger inherent in Navarro's crime and reflects the seriousness with which this Office takes the kind of abuse that Navarro practiced." Navarro's most famous horse was 2019 Shaheen winner X Y Jet, who he regularly drugged with a substance he called 'monkey'. Advertisement The grey sprinter died from an apparent heart attack in January 2020. FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. . Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Read more on the Irish Sun Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
Khaleej Times
04-04-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Speed vs. stamina: Which will dominate at Dubai World Cup 2025?
In horse racing, equine athletes are typically bred and trained to excel in either explosive speed or enduring stamina. However, advancements in modern breeding techniques have enabled development of horses that possess both qualities — a remarkable turn of foot in the final stages coupled with the cardiovascular endurance to sustain longer distances. By carefully selecting and cross-breeding sprinters and stayers, breeders have strived to balance fast-twitch muscle fibres, which contribute to speed, and slow-twitch muscle fibres, which support endurance. This strategic approach can make the difference between victory and defeat, as the demands of a 1,000-metre sprint, such as the Al Quoz Sprint (G1), differ vastly from those of a 3,200-metre contest, like the Dubai Gold Cup (G1). Winning these prestigious races requires a horse with exceptional breeding and training. Royal Ascot's Gold Cup (G1), run over a gruelling 4,014 metres (2 miles, 4 furlongs), is arguably one of the most challenging tests for both horse and jockey. The great Stradivarius exemplified this, having secured victories in the race three times between 2018 and 2020, showcasing extraordinary stamina and a decisive finishing kick. Closer to home, French-trained Vazirabad made history by winning the Dubai Gold Cup (G2) three times from 2016 to 2018, solidifying his status as the long-distance king at Meydan. Conversely, the Golden Shaheen (G1), a 1,200-metre sprint, has been dominated by horses bred for speed and the ability to handle dirt surfaces. Mastering speed and acceleration UAE champion trainer Musabbeh Al Mheiri has mastered the art of preparing such speedsters, notably winning the race in 2016 with Muarrab, a horse bred to produce short bursts of acceleration. Al Mheiri remarked: 'He had raw power, just like his sire Oasis Dream, one of the best sprinters and winner of the prestigious July Cup (G1) at Royal Ascot.' 'Speed and stamina are developed differently from the start of a horse's career. Sprinters are conditioned through intense workouts, while stayers are put through strength drills and muscle conditioning.' The dichotomy between speed and stamina is all about physiology. Renowned French trainer Alain de Royer-Dupré put it into context when he described Vazirabad as a horse with an 'extraordinary turn of foot and impressive finishing ability' — a blend of tactical speed and stamina. Vazirabad's unique mix of endurance and finishing speed set him apart from typical stayers, usually bred solely for stamina. His long stride allowed him to conserve energy over extended distances, ensuring strength in the crucial, final stages of a race. In truly-run races, his ability to quicken in the closing stages often gave him an edge over his rivals. Acceleration vs. sustained effort Similarly, in human athletics, some sprinters thrive on early acceleration and finishing power, akin to legendary sprinter Usain Bolt. In contrast, stayers like Mo Farah are trained to produce a sustained effort, conserving energy throughout the race. This mirrors horse racing, where sprinters, such as those competing in the Golden Shaheen (G1), explode out of the gate with raw speed. At the same time, stayers, like those contesting the Dubai Gold Cup (G1), must sustain a rhythm over a gruelling trip before unleashing their finishing kick. Just as Bolt thrives on his powerful start and surge to the line, elite sprinters in horse racing are bred and trained for an electrifying burst of speed. Conversely, long-distance horses rely on endurance, tactical positioning, and a well-timed finishing effort to outlast their rivals just as Britain's greatest-ever distance runner did. Celebrated Godolphin trainer Saeed bin Suroor, known for preparing top-class middle-distance and staying horses, acknowledges the marked difference between sprinters and stayers, although he admits that, in rare cases, a horse can possess both qualities. He explains: 'Sprinters undergo training for short bursts of speed and power, while we focus on building strength and cardio for middle and long-distance horses, with muscle conditioning as a priority.' He emphasises the importance of balance, noting that jockeys must know when to push for speed and when to conserve energy for the final stretch, regardless of the race distance. Ultimately, success in racing isn't just about raw speed or sheer endurance — it's about striking the perfect balance between the two. Skilled trainers like Bin Suroor, Al Mheiri and de Royer-Dupré, who fine-tune this equilibrium can give their horse the winning edge, ensuring it has the strength and the speed to overcome their rivals when it matters most.
