{Albany, New York}...A New York court has upheld Kentucky Derby-winning thoroughbred trainer Rick Dutrow Jr.'s 10-year ban from the sport for drug violations. Dutrow has been working under a court-ordered stay after his license was ordered revoked by the New York Racing and Wagering Board in October. The three-member board cited infractions including syringes containing a painkiller and sedative found in Dutrow's desk and the painkiller butorphanol, an opioid analgesic, found in the urine of his horse Fastus Cactus in November 2010 after it won at Aqueduct Racetrack. The board also fined him $50,000. The Appellate Division unanimously rejected Dutrow's argument that his hearing was unfair and that a top New York racing official should have recused himself from the disciplinary case. The five judges also concluded that the punishment is not excessive considering the trainer's recent violations and disciplinary history. Attorney Michael Koenig says he and Dutrow will appeal to New York's top court and seek a further stay of the penalty. They have 30 days to do that once they are formally served with the decision, meaning Dutrow will be able to keep training horses at least through Saratoga's summer racing season.
