The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission yesterday refused to issue a license to scandal-scarred trainer Rick Dutrow Jr. to race in the Bluegrass state in 2011, just three years after he saddled Big Brown to win the Kentucky Derby.
The KHRC’s License Review Committee, after meeting with Dutrow for about an hour, voted unanimously to deny his application, citing regulations that included: “The licensee or applicant has engaged in conduct that is against the best interest of horse racing, or compromises the integrity of operations at a track, training facility, or satellite facility.”
“We have a duty to protect the betting public, owners, jockeys and others involved in Kentucky’s signature industry,” KHRC executive director Lisa E. Underwood said. “Unfortunately, Mr. Dutrow has shown a consistent disregard for the rules of racing.”
Dutrow’s attorney Gerard Romski responded: “We are obviously disappointed, believe there was a misunderstanding regarding the facts and are confident that at the end of the day the Kentucky License will be issued.”
Even if Dutrow is eventually granted a Kentucky license, his problems are not over. He has been ordered to appear before the N.Y. State Racing and Wagering Board next month to show cause why he should not be denied a license in New York.