Dutrow Receives Green Light to Resume Training

Rick Dutrow Jr.'s bid to have his trainer's license restored after a 10-year ban received the green light Feb. 27 when a status report from the New York State Gaming Commission's executive director voiced support for reinstatement.

"He has a couple of more procedural steps to go through, but things are progressing in that regard," said NYSGC spokesperson Brad Maione. "The license hasn't been approved yet, but once he gets all his paperwork in, he should be approved."

Dutrow's suspension ended Jan. 17, but he had to re-apply for a license since it was revoked by the NYSGC.

"Mr. Dutrow recently applied for a Thoroughbred trainers license, which was reviewed by the Bureau of Licensing in consultation with the Division of Racing. The review found that Mr. Dutrow satisfied the penalty imposed by the Racing & Wagering Board, and his record is bereft of transgressions during his period of revocation. Accordingly, the Bureau has determined to issue Mr. Dutrow a valid license to participate in New York horseracing," NYSGC executive director Robert Williams said.

In his controversial career, Dutrow won the 2008 Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness Stakes (G1) with Big Brown   and the 2005 Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) with Horse of the Year Saint Liam , but a string of violations boiled over in 2010 when one of his horses was found to have traces of butorphanol in his system after winning a race at Aqueduct Racetrack. A search of his barn also turned up three syringes of xylazine, a muscle relaxer.

As a result, in October 2011, he was fined $50,000, and his license was revoked for 10 years. Dutrow went to court but was unable to have the decision overturned. His last start came on Jan. 16, 2013, when Colossal Gift  won the ninth race at Aqueduct.

His other violations include a 30-day suspension in 2009 for one of his horses testing positive for a breathing stimulant.

Dutrow began training in 1979 and has 1,811 winners from 7,204 starts (25%) with earnings of $87,499,980.

When asked if the New York Racing Association would allow Dutrow to stable at its racetracks, NYRA vice president for communications Pat McKenna said. "NYRA will review an application for stall space should Mr. Dutrow submit one in the future."