Dutrow faces 15-day ban after horse fails test

Rick Dutrow, the outspoken trainer of Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Big Brown, is facing a 15-day suspension by Kentucky racing officials after another horse he trains exceeded the allowable limit for a drug that enables horses to breathe easier while exercising.

Two separate drug tests on 8-year-old gelding Salute The Count revealed the horse had twice the allowable limit of Clenbuterol in his system after finishing second in the Aegon Turf Sprint at Churchill Downs on May 2, said John Veitch, chief state steward of the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority, in Louisville on Wednesday.

Clenbuterol, considered a Class B drug by the KHRA, is often used by humans who suffer from asthma. The drug, which Veitch says contains some steroidal properties but is not considered a steroid, is sometimes used by trainers because of its ability to increase a horse’s lung capacity.

Dutrow waived his right to a hearing but plans to file a written appeal, which he must do within the next 10 days. There is no timetable on when Dutrow could meet with KHRA executive director Lisa Underwood, Veitch said.

“He will get a stay on his suspension until the appeal is heard,” Veitch said.

Dutrow was reprimanded by the New York State Racing and Wagering Board for a similar infraction several years ago.

Jockey Jeremy Rose apologized for striking his mount in the head with a whip, a day after he was given a six-month suspension at Delaware Park.

Rose, who won the 2005 Preakness and Belmont Stakes aboard Afleet Alex, was suspended for striking Appeal To The City during Monday’s third race. He struck the mare on the side of her head and the horse had some hemorrhaging around one eye.

She was sent to the New Bolton Center for an examination and was to have returned Wednesday to trainer Howard Wolfendale’s barn.

PRO FOOTBALL

Giants solidify line by re-signing Snee

The New York Giants guaranteed continuity on their offensive line by signing guard Chris Snee to a six-year, $43.5-million contract extension.

Snee, 26, is the son-in-law of Coach Tom Coughlin.

Since winning the Super Bowl, the Giants have re-signed three starters on the offensive line.

The NFL is looking into the March 6 arrest of Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall on a misdemeanor battery charge for allegedly hitting his girlfriend in Atlanta.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello confirmed the inquiry but declined to elaborate.

Arfat Fadel, the man accused of robbing and beating Oakland Raiders receiver Javon Walker, told a Las Vegas judge that police pressured his girlfriend to press domestic violence charges against him before he was arrested in the Walker case.

BASKETBALL

Auriemma’s contract extended through 2013

Geno Auriemma signed a five-year, $8-million contract that will keep the Hall of Fame women’s coach at Connecticut through 2013.

Auriemma, 54, has led the Huskies to five national titles.

Longtime Connecticut assistant Tonya Cardoza will replace Dawn Staley as coach at Temple today, a person with knowledge of the hiring said. Staley, who left for South Carolina, played with Cardoza at Virginia.

MISCELLANY

Gatlin appeals ruling in bid to run at trials

Banned sprinter Justin Gatlin appealed a ruling by a federal judge in Florida that prohibits him from competing in this weekend’s U.S. Olympic track and field trials.

His attorney, Joseph Zarzaur Jr., sent the motion by e-mail to the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta, asking that Olympics officials be prevented from barring Gatlin from the trials before the court hears his case.

The Kings extended qualifying offers to goaltender Erik Ersberg, forwards Gabe Gauthier, Matt Moulson, Patrick O’Sullivan, Brad Richardson and defensemen Joe Piskula and Peter Harrold.

All are due to become restricted free agents, and the Kings made the move to make sure they would get the right of first refusal or draft pick compensation if any of them signed an offer sheet elsewhere. They did not extend offers to minor-league forwards Petr Kanko and Dany Roussin.

-- Lisa Dillman

The Ducks tendered qualifying offers to five potential restricted free agents, including last season’s leading goal scorer Corey Perry, in order to retain their rights.

Perry, who had 29 goals in his third NHL season, made $494,000 last season but is negotiating with the Ducks on a multiyear contract extension that could pay him $4 million per season.

Also tendered offers were forwards Geoff Platt, Drew Miller, Jason King and Stephen Dixon, all of whom played mostly in the minors last season.

The Ducks also re-signed center Brian Sutherby to a one-year deal worth $700,000.

-- Eric Stephens

Donny Robinson, the world’s top-ranked BMX racer, was told by USA Cycling that he will fill the third spot on the Olympic team, joining automatic qualifiers Kyle Bennett and Mike Day.