A Kentucky decide has denied Bob Baffert’s request to remain his 90-day suspension however delayed it till April 4 to permit his representatives to hunt emergency aid via the state’s Courtroom of Appeals.
Kentucky Horse Racing Fee stewards final month suspended Baffert for 90 days, fining him $7,500, and disqualified Medina Spirit for having the corticosteroid betamethasone in his system when he received the Kentucky Derby final yr. Baffert’s enchantment to racing officers was denied, however the suspension that was scheduled to start March 8 was delayed pending a court docket listening to.
Franklin Circuit Decide Thomas Wingate mentioned Monday that “the court understands the gravity of this ruling” on Baffert and can alleviate the impression by staying implementation of the suspension. He added, “However, absent relief from a reviewing court, the penalties imposed by Stewards Rulings 21-0009 and 21-0010 shall take effect on April 4, 2022.”
Baffert lawyer Clark Brewster in a press release expressed disappointment within the court docket’s resolution and mentioned, “Given the importance of the matter, we intend to immediately appeal to the Kentucky Court of Appeals.”
Attorneys for Baffert have argued that the betamethasone in Medina Spirit’s system got here from a topical ointment, moderately than an injection, which is banned. Racing officers have mentioned irrespective of the supply, it’s not allowed on race day.
If upheld, the suspension would start on the tail finish of the qualifying season for the Kentucky Derby scheduled for Could 7 at Churchill Downs. It will successfully take away Baffert from collaborating within the Triple Crown, which incorporates the Preakness on Could 21 and Belmont Stakes on June 11.
Craig Robertson, one other of Baffert’s attorneys, had argued in court docket final week that if Baffert was compelled to serve his suspension now, “he’s never going to get those days back if he wins on appeal.”
Legal professionals for the fee cited 4 remedy violations by Baffert over the previous yr, and lawyer Jennifer Wolsing mentioned he “presents an elevated risk of re-offense.”
Wingate rejected Baffert’s declare of irreparable hurt and mentioned that not like an athlete’s finite interval of eligibility and efficiency, as a coach he’s extra of a coach than an athlete. The decide wrote that the horses, as athletes, have that finite window of eligibility and efficiency.
Wingate additionally mentioned the court docket was assured the suspension wouldn’t destroy Baffert’s profession and famous the coach’s intent to proceed. Any hurt from lacking the Triple Crown or different races can be financial and never irreparable below state legislation.
“Baffert’s track record speaks for itself,” the ruling stated.
Wingate also wrote that the appeals court’s ruling in a 2015 case against trainer H. Graham Motion makes clear that the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission has the power to establish regulations, and that the effect of a banned drug is relevant.
Baffert also has sued Churchill Downs in federal court, seeking to challenge his two-year suspension by the home of the Kentucky Derby.
Animal Wellness Action executive director Marty Irby applauded the Kentucky court’s decision and said in a statement that horse racing has been plagued “time and time once more” by Baffert’s scandals.
Irby added: “Baffert has snubbed the rule of legislation and evaded the implications of his actions for much too lengthy — the Run for the Roses shall be paved with extra credibility than we have seen in a few years if Baffert and his horses should not current.”
Racing officials in California, where Baffert is based, have said they will honor the suspension if it is upheld. Medina Spirit died on Dec. 6 of a heart attack following a workout at a Santa Anita track.
PETA senior vice president Kathy Guillermo also expressed relief with the decision, saying in a statement that horses still need to be protected from Baffert’s “experimental pharmacology.”
Guillermo added, “If Baffert is suspended, we hope he’ll use these 90 days to ponder a everlasting retirement from racing.”
