Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Rick Dutrow, Jr. is asking New York's top court to overturn his 10-year ban by the state Racing and Wagering Board for equine drug violations, saying it raises substantial civil rights issues.In asking the Court of Appeals to hear Dutrow's case, attorney Michael Koenig says it should decide whether the appearance of bias by racing board Chairman John Sabini cost the trainer his right to a fair proceeding.They say Sabini had a conflicting role as an officer of the Association of Racing Commissioners International, which advocated revoking his license.A midlevel New York court upheld the ban.State lawyers say the midlevel court found no evidence of actual bias, and the top court should reject the case.A ruling is expected next month.Dutrow trained Big Brown to Kentucky Derby and Preakness victories in 2008.
