Report: Detention Barn Drug Administration Suspension Coming

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California-based racehorse trainer Jeff Mullins is expected to be suspended six months by the New York Racing Association in connection with the administration of an unknown substance to a horse in the detention barn at Aqueduct earlier this year, according to a report in the Oct. 30 New York Times.

The Times reports that that the NYRA was expected to take the action Oct. 30. According to the newspaper, the suspension will apply only to Mullins in New York; however, he will be unable to transfer his horses to an employee, relative or business associate to run in the Empire State during the course of the suspension.

The Times reported that the suspension is a result of events that occurred April 4 at Aqueduct, when he allegedly administered what he said was the cough remedy Air Power to the horse Gato Go Win before a race. Administration of any substance, except anti-bleeder medication by a veterinarian, is prohibited in the detention barn at New York tracks. Gato Go Win was scratched from the race.

Mullins' was initially suspended seven days and fined $2,500, although he denied wrongdoing, according to the Times. The newspaper said the suspension, due to be imposed Oct. 30, was the result of an investigation into the incident and Mullins' subsequent responses to investigators.

"You cannot surreptitiously bring contraband into our security barn and then lie about it," said Neil Getnick, whose law firm, Getnick & Getnick, serves as the racing association's independent integrity counsel, in the Times story.

Gato Go Win, a 3-yer-old colt by City Place is owned by Dean De Renzo, Randy Hartley, Joey Platts, and William Sims. He has started twice since the detention barn incident, finishing sixth in the Derby at Churchill Downs April 25, and most recently running seventh in the Pink Ribbon Invitational at Stockton June 28. His listed trainer is now Robert Troeger.

(Originally published at BloodHorse.com.)