Trainer of Belmont starter Dullahan rips new rules

NEW YORK (AP) -- Trainer Dale Romans is criticizing the New York State Racing and Wagering Board's decision to establish a detention barn for Belmont Stakes starters by saying regulators "think we're all crooks."

Romans, who will saddle Dullahan in an effort to thwart I'll Have Another's bid to become the first Triple Crown champion in 34 years, said Friday that the decision failed to put the welfare of horses first.

He says, "They are not cars that you can just go and move from one garage to the next."

The New York Racing Association announced Thursday a detention barn and would open Tuesday. Trainer Doug O'Neill says he hopes to move I'll Have Another there as early as Monday.

O'Neill has been fined or suspended 15 times in the last 14 years for drug and medication-related violations.

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