NYRA to meet with Mullins

OZONE PARK, N.Y. - While the New York State Racing and Wagering Board continues its investigation into trainer Jeff Mullins regarding the scratch of Gato Go Win from last Saturday's Bay Shore Stakes, the New York Racing Association may take action of its own, the result of which could be a fine.

Through its three-person Backstretch Area Violations Panel, NYRA will hold a hearing with Mullins next Thursday. The panel, which meets every Thursday, deals with house rules, such as a trainer bringing a horse to the paddock late or a jockey acting in an inappropriate manner. The panel consists of Ken Cook, vice president of security; Braulio Baeza, NYRA steward; and Jim Gallagher, executive director of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association.

In this case, it appears Mullins violated the rules of the raceday security barn by administering the medication Air Power to Gato Go Win before his scheduled start in the Bay Shore. He was observed doing it by security guards, who alerted the stewards, who then scratched the horse. Only Lasix may be administered in the raceday security barn.

Charles Hayward, NYRA's president and chief executive officer, said the panel could recommend denying stalls, denying entries, or a fine. Since Mullins is not stabled here and is unlikely to enter another horse here - unless I Want Revenge is going for the Triple Crown in the Belmont Stakes - the most likely scenario is a fine.

According to Hayward, NYRA can issue any fine amount it desires.

State investigators are still gathering information on the matter and are unlikely to issue a report until next week at the earliest.

"We'd like nothing better than for the state to run in front of us and do this in a timely fashion," Hayward said. "In the event their process - by necessity with all the due diligence - takes longer, we're going ahead on Thursday."