NEWS
Kentucky doubles length of Dutrow’s suspension
Posted: Tuesday, July 07, 2009 5:36 PM
RICHARD DUTROW JR.
Bill Denver/Equi-Photo
by Frank Angst
Noting the integrity of the sport was on the line, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission doubled the length of its original suspension of trainer Richard Dutrow Jr. from 15 days to 30 days.
The suspension dates back to a May 2, 2008 race at Churchill Downs in which the Dutrow-trained Salute the Count tested positive for clenbuterol. In April, a hearing officer recommended the commission uphold the stewards’ original 15-day suspension.
However, the commission decided a 30-day suspension was appropriate.
“The commission members sent a clear message that the integrity of horse racing is an issue that will not be taken lightly,” commission Executive Director Lisa Underwood said. “It is the duty of this commission and staff to do whatever is necessary to make certain that rules and regulations are followed and that those who violate those rules will be dealt with.”
Attorney Frank Becker, representing Dutrow, said no decision had been made on accepting the ruling or considering an appeal. Becker said he needed time to talk with his client before making a decision.
The commission initially had recommended a 15-day suspension, a loss of the purse money, and a disqualification of Salute the Count after the gelding tested positive for clenbuterol following a second-place finish in the Aegon Turf Sprint Stakes (G3) at Churchill. The current ruling would keep in place the loss of purse money for owners Michael Dubb and Robert Joscelyn and disqualification of the horse.
In October, Kentucky Hearing Officer James Robke recommended the violation be overturned because the concentration of clenbuterol was measured in picograms per milliliter of plasma, not picograms per milliliter of serum, as specified in commission regulations. The commission requested a second review by Robke.
At that April hearing, lab officials testified that for their purposes, there is little difference between serum and plasma. After the hearing, Robke recommended the commission move forward with the 15-day suspension.
Dutrow can appeal the commission’s decision to Franklin Circuit Court.
Frank Angst is senior writer for Thoroughbred Times
