NEWS
Trainer Mullins suspended for seven days
Posted: Sunday, April 19, 2009 1:56 PM
The New York State Racing and Wagering Board suspended Jeff Mullins for seven days and fined the veteran trainer $2,500 after investigating an incident at the security barn at Aqueduct prior to the Bay Shore Stakes (G3) on April 4.
Mullins was observed administering AirPower Cough Formula to Gato Go Win, and stewards ordered the City Place colt be scratched from the Bay Shore.
Mullins later sent out I Want Revenge to a victory in the Wood Memorial Stakes G1), but the Racing and Wagering Board said in a press release that no improper activity was observed prior to the Wood.
Mullins suspension will run for seven days beginning May 3, one day after the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) at Churchill Downs, as a result of Mullins agreeing not to appeal the penalty. Had Mullins appealed, he would have been subject to a 15-day suspension.
The seven-day 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,” said John D. Sabini, chairman of the Racing and Wagering Board.
“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.”
Mullins previously blamed Aqueduct’s security personnel for the mix-up, saying that they should have confiscated anything that did not belong in the detention barn.
“They looked at everything I carried in, so when they let me through [with AirPower], in my mind, everything was fine,” Mullins said. “Everything was out in the open. Two investigators watched me give the horse the treatment then five minutes later they wanted to see it. If they saw the AirPower and dosing syringe on me the whole time, then why didn’t they stop me?
“If they hadn’t stopped me after I gave [AirPower] to Gato Go Win, then I would have done the same with I Want Revenge.”
Mullins trains Gato Go Win for the partnership of Dean De Renzo, Randy Hartley, Joey Platts, and William Sims.
