NY court upholds horse trainer’s 10-year ban

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) – A New York court has upheld a Kentucky Derby-winning thoroughbred trainer’s 10-year ban from the sport.

In Thursday’s ruling, the Appellate Division rejected trainer Rick Dutrow (DOO’-troh) Jr.’s argument that his hearing was unfair or that the punishment is excessive considering his recent violations and disciplinary history.

Dutrow’s license was revoked by the New York Racing and Wagering Board in October, though he has been working under a court-ordered stay.

The three-member board cited infractions including syringes containing a painkiller and sedative found in Dutrow’s desk and a painkiller 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.

Calls to Dutrow and his attorney Michael Koenig weren’t immediately returned.