Dutrow receives seven-day suspension

Richard Dutrow Jr., one of the leading trainers in New York, was expected to begin serving a seven-day suspension on Thursday after one of the horses he trains tested positive for an excessive amount of the painkiller phenylbutazone, the New York State Racing and Wagering Board said Wednesday.

The suspension stemmed from an overage of the drug, popularly known as Bute, in a postrace sample taken from Privy Seal, who finished fourth in the fourth race at Belmont Park on Oct. 15, 2006. Privy Seal was ruled unplaced as a result.

The initial penalty would have suspended Dutrow for 15 days, but Dutrow waived his appeal. The trainer was also fined $1,000. Dutrow did not return a phone message left for him on Wednesday.