LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Rick Dutrow is in trouble again.

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.

Clenbuterol, considered a Class B drug by the KHRA, often is used by humans who suffer from asthma. The drug, which Veitch said 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.

"It's a respiratory enhancer," Veitch said. "It's become quite popular in racing medication, because it's used to train on."

The drug is not permitted in racing but is regulated by the states through the use of a threshold concentration said Scot Waterman, executive director of the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium. Trainers are recommended to avoid giving a dosage to a horse 72 to 96 hours before heading to the starting gate, though the threshold level varies from state to state.

Information on Dutrow came just days after co-president of IEAH Michael Iavarone announced his intention to eliminate drug use in the stable that includes Big Brown by October. Iavarone's decision was in response to last week's Congressional hearing on industry drug policies. Dutrow, an invited speaker, failed to attend.

IEAH part-owned Court Vision ran Saturday in the $600,000 Colonial Turf Cup (gr. III) at Colonial Downs. The Bill Mott-trained entry was edged out of third by a head.

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 said he sometimes uses the drug in other horses and previously was reprimanded by the New York State Racing and Wagering Board for a similar infraction several years ago.

Jockey Rose sorry for striking mount

Jockey Jeremy Rose apologized yesterday 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. (See video.)

Rose and Lady Digby won the $200,000 All Along Stakes (gr. III) at Colonial Downs on Saturday.