Two Maryland vets hit with HISA provisional suspensions
Frank Vespe
January 13, 2026
The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) has provisionally suspended the registrations of veterinarians Dr. Nicholas L. Meittinis and Dr. Adam Lockard, partners in Maryland Veterinary Group, alleging that their “actions or inactions present an immediate threat” to the welfare of racehorses and riders.
According to HISA, investigators with its Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU) discovered and seized multiple banned substances during inspections conducted in 2025 at Maryland Veterinary Group offices and associated vehicles at Delaware Park and Laurel Park. HISA determined there was “clear and convincing evidence” of repeated and ongoing violations, prompting provisional suspensions that took effect on January 12, 2026.
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HIWU investigators said they found several banned substances at Laurel Park “that were several years past their expiration dates.” These included trenbolone, various forms of testosterone, and stanozolol, bisphosphonate, and albuterol tablets.
Investigators also recovered current banned substances, including albuterol syrup. Albuterol is a bronchodilator medication.
The investigators also discovered several bottles of pitcher plant extract, a pain relief treatment prohibited under HISA rules. The pitcher plant bottles also, according to their labels, included ammonium chloride and ammonium sulfate, both also banned substances. The pitcher plant extract was used as a key ingredient in “steroid paint,” the recipe for which investigators found displayed on the wall of the group’s Delaware Park office.
HIWU alleges that the group has “dispensed Steroid Paint containing three current Banned Substances to Covered Persons for use on Covered Horses since 2023.”
The authority said the substances were found across multiple locations used to provide veterinary services to covered horses, as well as vehicles.
Based on these findings, HISA alleges violations of its Racetrack Safety Program, including rules prohibiting conduct that compromises horse welfare and the use of veterinary procedures intended to mask injury so horses can continue training or racing. HISA stated that possession and distribution of these substances present a serious and ongoing risk to the health of horses and the safety of riders.
The authority noted that banned substances are prohibited not only for potential performance-enhancing effects, but also because of their capacity to harm horses or conceal injuries. If the alleged violations are upheld, HISA may seek additional sanctions beyond the provisional suspensions, consistent with its penalty framework.
Reached by text message, Dr. Meittinis declined to comment. Dr. Lockard did not respond to a text.
Both veterinarians have the right to request provisional hearings, which have not yet been scheduled but are expected in the next several weeks. Any final resolution of the matter, HISA said, will be publicly disclosed under its rules.
The notice of suspension for Dr. Meittinis can be found here and for Dr. Lockard here.
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