Rick Dutrow Jr., who had his license revoked and was barred from racing in New York for 10 years, won't be allowed to race in California either.
Stewards at Santa Anita on Oct. 14 said they would uphold the ruling by the New York State Racing and Wagering Board made earlier this week.
The stewards cited California Horse Racing Board Rule 1484, which involves evidence of unfitness for license. They said, “Mr. Dutrow would be precluded from racing in California absent a temporary restraining order issued by a court of competent jurisdiction.”
Dutrow is based in New York and his horses don't regularly run in California, although it is typical for other states to uphold bans issued by other jurisdictions. His suspension is to take effect beginning Oct. 18, but the trainer's lawyer has filed an appeal that is expected to be heard the previous day.
In their ruling, New York racing officials cited Dutrow's long history of rules infractions, including numerous medication violations. Dutrow is best known for winning the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness (both gr. I) with Big Brown in 2008.
He has won more than a dozen training titles in New York over the past 10 years and also trained 2005 Horse of the Year Saint Liam. This year, horses trained by the 52-year-old Dutrow have earned nearly $3 million.
