Personally I think his suspension is a joke but find Sabini's comments more troubling.
"Although the penalty will not affect Mullins's ability to prepare I Want Revenge for any of the Triple Crown races, New York State Racing and Wagering Board chairman John D. Sabini said he believes the board came down hard on Mullins.
"Trainers who wish to participate in New York racing are responsible for knowing our race day rules and our medication rules," Sabini said in a statement. "These sanctions should send a clear message that ignorance will never wash as an excuse. I applaud the stewards for scratching Gato Go Win when they did. This horse was flown all the way to New York from California for a single race. As a result of what he did on April 4, Mr. Mullins is learning the hard way that there are tough consequences for not being more familiar with the rules of New York.""
If this clown thinks that they have done something positive with this suspension then he is dumber than most political appointees which in itself is a difficult task. Maybe someone should inform this moron that a 7 day vacation after the Derby is hardly 'coming down hard, a clear message or tough consequences'. For all the misguided souls that believe that federal intervention is a good option, here is exhibit A why govt appointees who have no clue about what they are regulating wont do a damn bit of good.
Regardless of what Mullins gave the horse he should have gotten a 60 day suspension at least. If you are going to have a detention barn than at least attempt to make it relevant. Allowing ignorance of the rules or other supposed mitigating circumstances to come down with a 15 day suspension is a joke.
I dont know all of the legalities of NYRA's position in this whole fiasco but if they are legally allowed to, I dont know why they cant impose some house sanctions like no Mullins in NY for 6 months.
As for Hartley, he stands The Green Monkey, need I say more?
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