by Frank Angst

The New York Racing Association has suspended trainer Jeff Mullins for six months for violating security barn policy when he used a syringe to administer a liquid substance to one of his horses.

The incident in question occurred on April 4, when Mullins entered the NYRA monitoring barn with the syringe. After two hearings before the NYRA Barn Area Violations Panel on May 14 and June 24, NYRA management opposed the suspension.

Significantly, the suspension also applied to any horse deemed by NYRA to have been transferred by Mullins to a spouse, family member, or business associate in order to avoid the ban.

“Racing integrity is a top priority for NYRA at all times,” NYRA Integrity Counsel Neil Getnick said. “Today’s penalty reinforces NYRA’s commitment to maintaining a level playing field for its owners, trainers, and the public.”

Because the ban has been imposed by a racing association, as opposed to a state regulator, it will not carry to other racing jurisdictions. Mullins, who is based in Southern California, will be allowed to continue racing there.

In determining the penalty, NYRA officials said the case included several exacerbating factors, including conflicting testimony, evidence that the syringe was not used to administer “Air Power,” which was the product Mullins said was administered, and that Mullins initially denied bringing a syringe into the monitoring barn.
 
The charges centered upon Mullins’ entry of Gato Go Win in the Bay Shore Stakes (G3). Stewards scratched Gato Go Win from the race.
 
NYRA’s integrity counsel Getnick and Getnick presented NYRA’s case and Mullins was represented by counsel. Mullins was found by an adjudicative panel to be in violation of the charges. The hearing was administered by outside counsel from the law firm of Davis, Polk, and Wardwell. Following a review of the panel’s findings, NYRA senior management imposed the penalty.

“The events leading up to the imposition of today’s penalties demonstrates NYRA’s twin commitments to racing integrity and due process,” NYRA Chairman C. Steven Duncker said. “NYRA got it right on the race day and thereafter. The horse was scratched. NYRA provided a full and fair hearing. I am proud of NYRA’s demonstrated seriousness in handling this matter.”

Frank Angst is senior writer for Thoroughbred Times