New York trainer gets 10-year ban after drugging horses

Richard Dutrow Jr., 52, trainer of Big Brown, winner of the 2008 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, had his license temporarily revoked on Oct. 12 by the New York State Racing and Wagering Board for multiple rules violations — including drugging his horses — banning him from New York racetracks for 10 years.

On Oct. 17, New York State Supreme Court Judge Richard Giardino issued a 30-day stay of the penalty.

According to the board, Dutrow’s license was effectively revoked on Oct. 18 to allow another trainer to take over his horses, and he was fined $50,000 for drugging one of his horses and possessing hypodermic syringes without a license. These two penalties represent one of the most significant punishments issued to a licensee by the New York State Racing and Wagering Board.

“New York’s racing industry has no place or patience for Dutrow,” said NYS Racing and Wagering Board Chairman John Sabini. “His repeated violations and disregard of the rules of racing has eroded confidence in the betting public and caused an embarrassment throughout the industry. In order to ensure integrity and honesty in the sport of kings in New York, the Board acted appropriately in barring Dutrow from participating. His self-described ‘game’ in New York horse-racing is over. We will not permit individuals who cheat and sully New York’s world-class racing product.”

According to the board, the decision resolves two specific matters that arose last November — the latest in a string of violations Dutrow, who has been fined and/or suspended for numerous drug violations since 2003.