Richard Dutrow Jr. approved for trainer’s license in New York
Richard Dutrow Jr. could be back training soon.
Dutrow, whose trainer’s license was revoked by the New York State Racing and Wagering Board – now known as the New York State Gaming Commission – in January 2013 for a period of no less than 10 years, has been issued a license to participate in New York horse racing, according to the commission.
At the beginning of Monday’s New York State Gaming Commission meeting, Rob Williams, the executive director of the Gaming Commission, said that Dutrow applied for a license last month and his application was approved.
“Following a review by the bureau of licensing in consultation with the division of racing, the review found that Mr. Dutrow satisfied the penalty imposed by the Racing and Wagering Board and his record is bereft of transgressions during his period of revocation,” Williams said. “Accordingly, the bureau has determined to issue a license to Mr. Dutrow to participate in New York horse racing.”
After the meeting, Brad Maione, spokesman for the Gaming Commission, said Dutrow has to get “all his paperwork in, then he’ll get his license.”
Maione said it “has yet to be determined” if there will be conditions placed on his license.
Dutrow, who also had to pay a fine of $50,000, was naturally pleased by the decision. He was unable to say when he could possibly be back training as he still has to apply for and be granted stalls by the New York Racing Association.
“I’m very pleased that the Gaming Commission has granted our request for a trainer’s license,” Dutrow said. “I want to thank all the owners, trainers, jockeys, veterinarians, and other people that have supported our effort. I look forward to getting back and continuing to try to win races.”
In 2011, Dutrow had his license revoked for 10 years by State Racing and Wagering Board for a history of transgressions that included the finding of syringes loaded with unauthorized medication in the desk draw of his barn office in the fall of 2011. Dutrow exhausted all his legal challenges before ultimately having to serve his suspension starting Jan. 17, 2013.
Dutrow was one of the more successful and controversial trainers in the sport. He came into the national spotlight in 2008 when he won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness with Big Brown, but had acknowledged that he had given the horse an anabolic steroid, known as Winstrol, once a month. Back then, that was a legal practice.
Dutrow won the 2005 Breeders’ Cup Classic with Saint Liam, who went on to be named Horse of the Year.
Dutrow has won 1,811 races during his career and, in addition to Big Brown and Saint Liam, he has conditioned Grade 1 winners Kip Deville, Benny the Bull, Court Vision, Silver Train, Boys At Tosconova, and Carson Hollow.
Dutrow was the leading trainer in wins on the New York Racing Association circuit four times (2001, 2002, 2005 and 2012).
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