Ten years later, Dutrow starts from scratch with two horses
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ELMONT, N.Y. – Rick Dutrow wrapped polo bandages on all four legs of the 3-year-old filly Recognize, watched as his brother Chip walked the filly a half-lap around barn 28, and then gave a leg up to an exercise rider and sent them on their way to the track
“That filly’s all right. We should win two or three with her this summer,” Dutrow said. “She’s live.”
With that, Rick Dutrow – one of the most successful albeit controversial trainers in racing – was back.
Dutrow, suspended for 10 years by the New York State Racing and Wagering Board – now the New York State Gaming Commission – due to conduct deemed detrimental to the best interests of racing, was reinstated to good standing last month. The final hurdles to receive his license after it was revoked in January 2013 cleared Monday and he has been granted 10 stalls by the New York Racing Association. He is hoping for more.
“Right now, I only got two [horses], so I’m okay with 10,” he said.
In order for Dutrow to obtain more than the 10 stalls he currently has, “he will need to apply and demonstrate that he has or will have the horses to fill those stables,” NYRA spokesman Pat McKenna said.
Dutrow, 63, said he’s been “flooded” with phone calls from owners who want to give him horses. Recognize, third in the P.G. Johnson Stakes last summer at Saratoga when trained by Bill Mott, was sent to him by Becky Thomas of Sequel Stallions. On Thursday, Dutrow claimed the 5-year-old mare Dame Cinco for Sanford Goldfarb, with whom Dutrow enjoyed great success from 1996 to 2007.
Though Dame Cinco finished last of six and Goldfarb thought about claiming the winner, Baba, Goldfarb was encouraged by a call he got from Dutrow right after the race.
“He said I’m glad we didn’t claim the winner. She looked terrible,” Goldfarb said. “I’m glad we got [Dame Cinco]. He said you remember Baltimore Gray? The day we claimed him, he was eased and we ended up winning [four] races with him.”
Whether it be the claiming game or Grade 1 stakes, Dutrow was successful. He’s won 1,811 races in his career, one that reached the pinnacle in 2008, when Big Brown won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness. In 2005, he won the Breeders’ Cup Classic with Saint Liam, who went on to be crowned Horse of the Year.
On the negative side, Dutrow was cited for multiple medication violations that ultimately led to officials questioning his involvement in the sport. His license was ultimately revoked and despite many attempts to seek a shorter penalty, he served all 10 years.
Asked if it felt like he’s been away for 10 years, Dutrow said, “Not now. Then it did.”
During the decade he was banned here, Dutrow spent some time working with horses in Saudi Arabia.
“I love it over there,” Dutrow said. “The only reason I love it is because I believe that’s where horse racing was born and it’s exciting for me to be around those people. I hope they give me a chance to train for some of them. We’re certainly on it and we have stuff to look forward to with that.”
Goldfarb is looking forward to Dutrow having more success and he wants to be part of it.
“I’m just really happy he’s back,” Goldfarb said. “I’m hoping everything goes good going forward. I know the talent he has around horses. I knew it from the day I met him. What happened, happened, totally unfortunate.
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“I had dinner with him and his brother [Chip] the other night and I think he’s thinking everything is good, going in the right direction. I expect really good things to happen for him.”
Dutrow said he would likely have his first starters at the Belmont spring/summer meet that starts in May. Between now and then he will try to accrue more horses and staff. Right now his brother Chip and nephew Blake are helping him out.
This time 15 years ago, Dutrow was in the spotlight as he prepared Big Brown for the Kentucky Derby.
“I want to get another one to head that way, then it’ll be exciting,” Dutrow said. “Right now, I have these horses to deal with and we’re happy with that. We’re excited, more horses coming in.”
Does Dutrow think he can get back on top?
“I’m gonna try,” he said. “I’m gonna try to do the best I can with the horses if the people will send them to me.”
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