Veterinarian Dr. Michael Galvin didn’t go away quietly after being banned for the remainder of the year by the New York Racing Association. Galvin promptly filed a $20-million lawsuit against the NYRA and went to federal court in Brooklyn on June 18 seeking an injunction and restraining order that would allow him to resume his practice at NYRA’s three tracks. He has worked at the tracks for 10 years and treats approximately 1,000 horses for 40 trainers. Galvin said that none of the tens of thousands of horses he has treated in his career has ever tested positive for an illegal substance.

Judge Marilyn Dolan Go presided over the hearing that included testimony by NYRA chairman Kenny Noe Jr. and NYRA president Terry Meyocks. The deadline for post-hearing submissions is July 6. Judge Go is expected to make a decision within a few days after receiving the reports from attorneys for both sides.

At question is whether Galvin received due process before he was banned by NYRA. According to a published report, Meyocks acknowledged during his testimony in Judge Go’s court that NYRA said it would not follow through with plans to build a day-care center at Belmont Park if the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association continued to be represented by Karen Murphy. She also is the attorney for Galvin.

“My opinion is that we should not have any dealings with Karen Murphy,” Meyocks was quoted as saying in the New York Post. “We feel that you are not serving the best interest of horse racing. As long as Miss Murphy is involved, we will not go forward with plans for a day-care center