Horse racing-Churchill Downs extends trainer Baffert's suspension

Churchill Downs

03/07/2023 22:52

July 3 (Reuters) - Churchill Downs has extended trainer
Bob Baffert's suspension through 2024, saying he has not been
honest about the failed drug test of Medina Spirit, who finished
first at the 2021 Kentucky Derby but was later disqualified. 
    Baffert was originally suspended by Churchill Downs for two
years in the wake of Medina Spirit's positive tests for
anti-inflammatory drug betamethasone. 
    The Hall of Fame trainer has repeatedly denied wrongdoing in
the saga. A lawyer for Baffert did not immediately respond to a
request for comment. 
    "Mr. Baffert continues to peddle a false narrative
concerning the failed drug test of Medina Spirit at the 147th
Kentucky Derby," Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI), which owns
the famed Louisville track, said in a statement.
    "Prior to that race, Mr. Baffert signed an agreement with
Churchill Downs which stated that he was responsible for
understanding the rules of racing in Kentucky and that he would
abide by them. 
    "The results of the tests clearly show that he did not
comply, and his ongoing conduct reveals his continued disregard
for the rules and regulations that ensure horse and jockey
safety, as well as the integrity and fairness of the races
conducted at our facilities. 
    "A trainer who is unwilling to accept responsibility for
multiple drug test failures in our highest-profile races cannot
be trusted to avoid future misconduct. Mr. Baffert will remain
suspended from entering horses at all racetracks owned by CDI
through 2024. After such time, we will re-evaluate his status."
    Baffert has said in the past that he felt he was denied due
process from Churchill Downs.  
    Baffert, 70, is one of the most recognizable figures in the
sport he has dominated. 
    He trained 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah and
2018 Triple Crown winner Justify, and his horses have won the
Kentucky Derby a record six times, the Belmont Stakes three
times and the Breeders' Cup four times.
    Last month his horse National Treasure won the Preakness
Stakes, delivering Baffert a record-breaking eighth title at
Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore.  urn:newsml:reuters.com:*:nL1N37H0I4
    Medina Spirit collapsed and died after a workout at Santa
Anita Park in December 2021. The dark bay colt was three years
old. 
    

 (Reporting by Rory Carroll in Los Angeles
Editing by Toby Davis)
 ((Rory.Carroll@thomsonreuters.com Follow me on Twitter
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