Mullins suspended for Aqueduct incident

The New York State Racing and Wagering Board announced Sunday that a $2,500

fine and a seven-day license suspension was imposed on veteran trainer Jeff

Mullins in connection with an April 4 security barn incident at Aqueduct prior

to the running of the Bay Shore S. (G3) that afternoon.

Mullins was observed administering an over-the-counter product called Air

Power to a horse called GATO GO WIN (City Place) that day. As a result, stewards

ordered the horse scratched from the Bay Shore. Another runner trained by

Mullins, I WANT REVENGE (Stephen Got Even), was in the same barn and no improper

activity was observed regarding that horse, who captured the Wood Memorial S.

(G1) that day.

The suspension period will commence May 3 and will run for seven days as a

result of Mr. Mullins agreeing not to appeal the penalties. Had he appealed, he

would have been facing a 15-day suspension. The suspension is expected to be

recognized by other racing jurisdictions through reciprocity agreements.

"Trainers who wish to participate in New York racing are responsible for

knowing our race day rules and our medication rules," Racing and Wagering Board

Chairman John D. Sabini said. "These sanctions should send a clear message that

ignorance will never wash as an excuse. I applaud the stewards for scratching

Gato Go Win when they did. This horse was flown all the way to New York from

California for a single race. As a result of what he did on April 4, Mr. Mullins

is learning the hard way that there are tough consequences for not being more

familiar with the rules of New York."

The ruling will not prevent Mullins from saddling I Want Revenge in the May 2

Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs.

For the full text of New York racing rules, visit the Racing and Wagering

Board's web site at: www.racing.state.ny.us.