Dutrow receives 10-year ban

The New York State Racing and Wagering Board revoked the license of trainer

Richard Dutrow for 10 years and fined him $50,000 on Wednesday. The three-member

board ruled that "his participation in pari-mutuel racing is inconsistent with

the public interest, convenience and necessity and with the best interests of

racing generally."

The penalty, which is less severe that the lifetime ban recommended by the

hearing officer in the case, will become effective on October 18. Dutrow will be

barred from being on the grounds of any racetrack in New York during the 10-year

period.

However, Dutrow's attorney is expected to file a motion to stay the ruling.

The Board recognized Dutrow's care and love for his horses, but ruled that

"it is not inconsistent to also conclude that he will continue to violate the

rules of racing should he be permitted to keep his trainers license."

They noted Dutrow's pattern of rules violations over the years.

"Since 2003, Dutrow has been fined and/or suspended for numerous drug

violations...Furthermore, his New York State racing application history report

and RCI comprehensive ruling report reveals a consistent inability to abide by

regulatory rules including a lack of truthfulness in statements to regulators."

Dutrow, who was denied a license by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission in

April due to his previous violations and inaccuracies on his application, was

cited last year following the discovery of the painkiller butorphanol in the

system of Fastus Cactus in a November 20 race at Aqueduct. Earlier that month,

investigators found three syringes filled with prohibited drugs in a search of

his barn at Aqueduct.