MOUNT HOLLY, N.J. -- A horse trainer pleaded guilty Tuesday in a case involving the doping of a horse scheduled to run at Freehold Raceway, according to the state Attorney General's Office.

Daniel P. Sheddan, 26, of Bordentown, pleaded guilty in Burlington County Superior Court to rigging a publicly exhibited contest and possession of an illegal performance enhancing drug.

Sheddan faces a maximum of 18 months in prison on the rigging charge and 5 years on the drug possession charge.

Sheddan and Bruno Chiodo, a groom he employed at Magical Acres Farm in Chesterfield, were charged in May. The case against Chiodo, 33, of Jackson, is pending.

State Police detectives who visited the farm in February said they observed the men giving a liquid to a horse scheduled to run later that day at Freehold. The liquid was later determined to be a combination of sodium bicarbonate and Levothyroxine, a prescription drug commonly used to enhance physical performance, according to the Attorney General's Office.

Both substances are banned by the New Jersey Racing Commission.

Also found was a syringe containing testosterone, authorities said.

State regulators suspended the racing licenses of both men in March.