Dutrow career in tatters after ten-year ban

USA: The career of controversial trainer Rick Dutrow is in tatters after he was banned for ten years in New York, where his string is based, and fined $50,000 for persistent breaking of the rules.

According to the Daily Racing Form, the New York State and Wagering Board revoked Dutrow's licence for a succession of violations throughout his career, claiming that his long history of transgressions and two recent suspensions were "inconsistent with the best interests of racing".

Rick Dutrow: ten-yearban

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However, even such a lengthy ban was short of what had been proposed by the hearing officer, who suggested Dutrow should be banned for life.

"Let this be a lesson to other peoplein the business," said board chairman John Sabini, adding that the trainer "has repeatedly violated rules in jurisdictions across the country - a licence is a privilege and not a right."

Dutrow's attorney Michael Koenigon Wednesday afternoon reportedly commenced legal action, filing a motion to stay the ruling.

Dutrow is scheduled to appear in court in Schenectady, New York, on Monday morning to argue for the suspension of the court judgement. Thejudge is expected to issue a decision on the motion that day according to Koenig.

Aqueduct-based Dutrow, 52, is one of the leading trainers in the US best known for the exploits of 2005 Breeders' Cup Classic winner Saint Liam and BigBrown, who won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes in 2008.

But alongside his successes have come a string of infractions - more than 60 violations at 15 different tracks in nine states since 1979, according to records kept by theAssociation of Racing Commissioners International.

While his assertion that Big Brown had been trained on steroids sparked a furore, they were not banned at the time and he did not break any rules in that instance.

Under the ruling, Dutrow will also be barred from any racing facilities in New York for ten years from October 18, in order to allow owners to withdraw their horses from his barn.

According to the Form, Dutrow could file an appeal, which would allow him to continue training until the Supreme Court rules.

Dutrow's latest brush with authority came after the discovery of the painkiller butorphanol in the post-race sample of Fastus Cactus, who finished last in a race at Aqueduct in November 2010.

Three hypodermic needles filled with xylazine, a painkiller and muscle relaxant, were also found in a search of his Aqueduct barn. Both drugs are banned.

According to the Form, the three-member board voted unanimously to approve the suspension and fine, which come after a three-day hearing in June.

Board member Daniel Hogan said: "It seems Mr. Dutrow loved horses, but he loved winning even more, and he broke our rules to win."

Dutrow, who has denied the allegation, is already banned from having runners in Kentucky after the commission there denied his application for a licence.