Churchill Downs Incorporated Suspends Bob Baffert for Two Years

Suspension Follows Medina Spirit’s Confirmed Positive for Prohibited Race-Day Substance

LOUISVILLE, KY., (June 2, 2021) – Churchill Downs Incorporated (“CDI”) announced today the suspension of Bob Baffert for two years effective immediately through the conclusion of the 2023 Spring Meet at Churchill Downs Racetrack. The suspension prohibits Baffert, or any trainer directly or indirectly employed by Bob Baffert Racing Stables, from entering horses in races or applying for stall occupancy at all CDI-owned racetracks. This decision follows the confirmation by attorneys representing Bob Baffert of the presence of betamethasone, a prohibited race-day substance, in Medina Spirit’s bloodstream on the day of the 147th running of the Kentucky Derby in violation of the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s equine medication protocols and CDI’s terms and conditions for racing.

“CDI has consistently advocated for strict medication regulations so that we can confidently ensure that horses are fit to race and the races are conducted fairly,” said Bill Carstanjen, CEO of CDI. “Reckless practices and substance violations that jeopardize the safety of our equine and human athletes or compromise the integrity of our sport are not acceptable and as a company we must take measures to demonstrate that they will not be tolerated. Mr. Baffert’s record of testing failures threatens public confidence in thoroughbred racing and the reputation of the Kentucky Derby. Given these repeated failures over the last year, including the increasingly extraordinary explanations, we firmly believe that asserting our rights to impose these measures is our duty and responsibility.”

CDI reserves the right to extend Baffert’s suspension if there are additional violations in any racing jurisdiction.

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (“KHRC”) has the sole authority to disqualify Medina Spirt as the winner of Kentucky Derby 147. It is the understanding of CDI that the KHRC is pursuing the completion of its investigation of this matter in accordance with its rules and regulations.

 

 

 

38 minutes ago, Colonels_Wear_Blue said:

Churchill Downs Incorporated Suspends Bob Baffert for Two Years

Suspension Follows Medina Spirit’s Confirmed Positive for Prohibited Race-Day Substance

LOUISVILLE, KY., (June 2, 2021) – Churchill Downs Incorporated (“CDI”) announced today the suspension of Bob Baffert for two years effective immediately through the conclusion of the 2023 Spring Meet at Churchill Downs Racetrack. The suspension prohibits Baffert, or any trainer directly or indirectly employed by Bob Baffert Racing Stables, from entering horses in races or applying for stall occupancy at all CDI-owned racetracks. This decision follows the confirmation by attorneys representing Bob Baffert of the presence of betamethasone, a prohibited race-day substance, in Medina Spirit’s bloodstream on the day of the 147th running of the Kentucky Derby in violation of the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s equine medication protocols and CDI’s terms and conditions for racing.

“CDI has consistently advocated for strict medication regulations so that we can confidently ensure that horses are fit to race and the races are conducted fairly,” said Bill Carstanjen, CEO of CDI. “Reckless practices and substance violations that jeopardize the safety of our equine and human athletes or compromise the integrity of our sport are not acceptable and as a company we must take measures to demonstrate that they will not be tolerated. Mr. Baffert’s record of testing failures threatens public confidence in thoroughbred racing and the reputation of the Kentucky Derby. Given these repeated failures over the last year, including the increasingly extraordinary explanations, we firmly believe that asserting our rights to impose these measures is our duty and responsibility.”

CDI reserves the right to extend Baffert’s suspension if there are additional violations in any racing jurisdiction.

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (“KHRC”) has the sole authority to disqualify Medina Spirt as the winner of Kentucky Derby 147. It is the understanding of CDI that the KHRC is pursuing the completion of its investigation of this matter in accordance with its rules and regulations.

The highlighted statement is the crux of the situation. Baffert claims these were all accidents. Not many folks believe him. Perception is reality here. People are less likely to place bets when they feel like the race is being fixed, and that hurts the industry on a wholesale level. I hope the KHRC follows Churchill's lead and issues their own suspension to Baffert.

I would personally like to see the National Thoroughbred Racing Association do the same.

Also, this suspension is from ALL racetracks owned by Churchill Downs Incorporated, not just Churchill Downs itself:

Arlington International Racecourse (Arlington Heights, IL)
Churchill Downs (Louisville, KY)
Fair Grounds Race Course (New Orleans, LA)
Oak Grove (Oak Grove, KY)
Ocean Downs (Berlin, MD)
Presque Isle Downs (Summit Township, PA)
Turfway Park (Florence, KY)

They also own the casino at Calder Race Park in Miami Gardens, FL but have leased the racing operations to the owners of Gulfstream Park since 2014.