Mullins defends detention barn actions
by Ed DeRosa
Jeff Mullins was not happy that New York stewards scratched Gato Go Win from the Bay Shore Stakes (G2) on April 4 at Aqueduct due to a detention barn violation, but the Southern California-based trainer saw a bright side to the situation.
Had security personnel at the Aqueduct detention barn not scolded Mullins for administering AirPower to Gato Go Win, then the trainer most likely would have also administered the drug to I Want Revenge before the Wood Memorial Stakes (G1) later on the program.
I Want Revenge won the Wood despite a troubled trip, and the Stephen Got Even colt is one of the favorites for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1). Joe Mahoney, a spokesman for the New York State Racing and Wagering Board, said Sunday that I Want Revenge was under surveillance in the security barn prior to racing, and that his connections did not violate any rules concerning his prerace preparations.
Mullins blamed Aqueduct’s security personnel for the mix-up, saying that they should have confiscated anything that did not belong in the detention barn.
“They looked at everything I carried in, so when they let me through [with AirPower], in my mind, everything was fine,” Mullins said. “Everything was out in the open. Two investigators watched me give the horse the treatment then five minutes later they wanted to see it. If they saw the AirPower and dosing syringe on me the whole time, then why didn’t they stop me?
“If they hadn’t stopped me after I gave [AirPower] to Gato Go Win, then I would have done the same with I Want Revenge.”
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