CATSKILL, N.Y. — A trial has started for a prominent thoroughbred breeder who was banned from racing after more than 170 malnourished horses were seized from his upstate New York farm.

Ernie Paragallo's non-jury trial began Tuesday in Greene County Court in Catskill, 20 miles south of Albany.

The Long Island resident was charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty after state police and welfare investigators raided his Center Brook Farm last April. He could face jail time and fines if convicted.

He has denied abusing the animals but has been stripped of racing privileges in New York.

He was the owner of 1996 Kentucky Derby favorite and fifth-place finisher Unbridled's Song.