Bob Baffert: Federal judge rules New York cannot ban Hall of Fame horse trainer racing

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A federal judge in Brooklyn ruled Wednesday that the New York Racing Association (NYRA) could not enforce its ban on Baffert while Baffert’s lawsuit against the association was ongoing.

Baffert is the trainer of Medina Spirit, the horse that tested positive for a banned anti-inflammatory drug called betamethasone after winning the Kentucky Derby in May. Baffert was then banned from fielding horses at Churchill Downs racetrack for two years after the positive test was confirmed.

Betamethasone is an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid authorized in horse racing at a certain level. But Baffert said he was told that Medina Spirit’s post-race test detected 21 picograms per milliliter, more than double the legal threshold in Kentucky races.

NYRA banned Baffert in May ahead of the Belmont Stakes, the third race in the so-called Triple Crown of thoroughbred races. NYRA called the temporary suspension but offered no end date.

In her decision on Wednesday, Judge Carol Bagley Amon said the NYRA – which operates all racetracks in the state – violated Baffert’s due process rights by banning him from New York horse racing without the possibility of ‘hearing.

Bob Baffert suspended from Kentucky Derby home after Medina Spirit drug test confirmed failed

“Due process required that Baffert, having an undisputed ownership interest in his New York horse racing right, be entitled to a pre-suspension hearing,” Amon wrote, adding that although the association could prove that ‘There was a need to suspend a coach before a pre-suspension hearing could take place, the law required a “quick” post-suspension hearing.

“But the NYRA held no hearings – let alone a quick one,” she wrote.

“And although the NYRA qualifies the suspension as ‘temporary’, a better description would be ‘indefinite’,” Amon added. “With so much at stake, Baffert was entitled to (at least) a ‘quick’ post-deprivation hearing that should have taken place already.”

In a statement released following the ruling, the NYRA defended its decision to suspend Baffert.

“On May 17, 2021, at a time of crisis for the sport, the New York Racing Association, Inc. took emergency action to temporarily suspend Bob Baffert from racing or training at Belmont Park, Aqueduct Racetrack and Saratoga Race Course, “the statement read. Lily.

“This step was taken to protect the integrity of thoroughbred racing. NYRA will continue to honor this commitment so that fans, the betting public and race participants can have confidence in a level playing field.

New York Racing Association suspends Bob Baffert less than three weeks ahead of Belmont Stakes

“NYRA is reviewing the court decision today to determine our legal options and next steps,” the statement continued. “What is clear, however, is that Mr. Baffert’s actions and behavior may uplift or harm the sport. We expect Mr. Baffert to exercise appropriate controls over his operation.”

Baffert, who won his record-breaking seventh Derby with the Medina Spirit victory, issued a statement after the Kentucky Derby result was in doubt.

“After the Santa Anita Derby, Medina Spirit developed hindquarters dermatitis. I had her checked out by my vet who recommended the use of an antifungal ointment called Otomax. The vet recommendation was to apply. this ointment daily to give the horse relief, help heal dermatitis and prevent it from spreading, ”said part of Baffert’s statement.

“While we are not sure that this was the source of the suspected 21 picograms found in Medina Spirit’s post-race blood sample, and that our investigation is continuing, equine pharmacology experts tell me. said that this might explain the test results. Such, I wanted to be frank about this fact as soon as I learned this information, “the statement added.

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