Dutrow denied training licence in Kentucky
USA: Controversial trainer Rick Dutrow hit a new career low on Wednesday when he was denied a licence by Kentucky racing regulators - putting his professional future under severe threat.
Rick Dutrow: unsure if he'll appeal
PICTURE: Getty ImagesAlthough Dutrow is still allowed to run his horses in other jurisdictions, New York officials will consider on May 11-12 whether to follow the Kentucky lead and revoke his licence.
The possibility that he will be unable to run horses on two of the country's major circuits has already prompted his major client, Big Brown's owners IEAH Stable, to consider removing their horses.
"Obviously, we can't be in a position where our horses can't run in certain jurisdictions," said IEAH president Michael Iavarone, speaking to the Daily Racing Form. "That's all got to be discussed with our partners."
Dutrow, 52, has had numerous brushes with authority during a career featuring a stack of rules violations alongside victories at the very highest level, notably with Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown and Breeders' Cup Classic hero Saint Liam.
On Wednesday, the Licensing Review Committee of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission voted unanimously to deny hislicence.
According to the Daily Racing Form, Dutrow was questioned for just over an hour, after which his licence was denied on seven counts, including alleged "misrepresentations" on his application and "conduct against the best interests of racing".
It is unclear whether Dutrow plans to appeal the ban. "I wish I knew what to say, but I'm not any good at that," the trainer said at the inquiry.
Dutrow, who can applyagain in the future, is also in hot water in New York, where his operation is based, as he is appealing two suspensions totalling 90 days involving a banned substance and the alleged discovery of sedative-filled syringes in his Aqueduct barn.
According to the Form, the majority of Dutrow's charge sheet features mainly minor administrative violations or exceeding the limit for commonly used therapeutic medications like Lasix and Bute.
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