Tracks, owners face decision about Dutrow

Trainer Rick Dutrow is staring at a tough battle trying to keep horses under his care and avoid banishment in other states, considering the 10-year license revocation in New York that is set to take effect Tuesday.  The Daily Racing Form reports that Gulfstream Park officials are contemplating banning Dutrow from the track's winter meet that starts Dec. 3.  And some owners have already dropped Dutrow, while others are sticking by him so far:

“Paul Pompa Jr., for example, a co-owner of 2008 Kentucky Derby winner and 3-year-old champion Big Brown, said Thursday that he has decided to remove his five horses from Dutrow's care, sending them to other trainers such as Chad Brown, Bill Mott, or Todd Pletcher.”

“I've had a lot of success with Rick, I like Rick personally, but there's just too much uncertainty right now,” Pompa said.

“Samantha Siegel, who has about a dozen horses with Dutrow, said she would stick with Dutrow unless the stay is denied.”

“Every horse should be so lucky to be in Rick's barn,” Siegel said. “He spoils those horses. I think this is absolutely crazy.”