Harness racing trainer Pena suspended for drug violations

The New York State Racing and Wagering Board has suspended harness racing trainer Lou Pena indefinitely for more than 1,700 equine drug violations in nearly 700 races.

Pena also faces the loss of his license in New York and fines up to $25,000 per violation. The board also said Thursday it's possible it could seek to recover more than $2.5 million in purse money won with horses that were illegally drugged.

Pena was the leading trainer at the Meadowlands Racetrack in New Jersey the past two years. He regularly raced horses in New York, too, while stabling them in New Jersey.

The investigation found 1,719 drug violations in 675 races between January 2010 and April 2012.

A hearing is set for May 30.