Bob Baffert was suspended Monday to enter the horses at the New York racetracks pending an investigation into the failed posttrace medicine test of Medina Spirit, winner of the Kentucky Derby.
Baffert is temporarily not allowed to breed horses at Belmont Park, Aqueduct Racetrack and Saratoga Racetrack, or run one of his horses on the New York Racing Association’s tracks. That ban includes racing at Belmont Park, with the Belmont Stakes coming on June 5.
“To be an industry racing thoroughbred wealthy in New York, the NYRA must protect the integrity of the sport for our fans, the public in Paris and the participants in the races,” said Dave O’Rourke, president and CEO of NYRA. “This responsibility requires the measures that are taken today in the best interests of thoroughbred races.”
Baffert had not committed not to register a horse in the third stage of the Triple Crown, but had considered a lot for other races on the day of the Belmont Stakes.
Nyra officials say they have taken into account the previous baffert sanctions in Kentucky, California and Arkansas, as well as the current situation with Medina Spirit, and expect a final decision on the duration and conditions of the suspension based on information uncovered by the ongoing Kentucky investigation.
Baffert’s attorney, Craig Robertson, said in an email to the Associated Press that he was considering NYRA’s decision and would be aware of the situation and the lawful options with his clients before the warehouse makes a formal statement.
Medina Spirit, winner of the Kentucky Derby, tested positive for the steroid betamethasone in the posttrace tests and faces disqualification if a second test does not come back negative. On May 9, Baffert said that 21 picograms of the corticosteroid, which can be used to support a horse’s joints, are included in the blood sample.
A day after, Baffert said that an ointment used to treat Medina’s ghost in a daily skin condition until Derby contained the substance. Also, a trace of betamethasone in a horse’s system is not allowed on race day in Kentucky, Maryland and New York.
The officials of Maryland have asked Medina Spirit and the tour concerts Preakness runner formed by Baffert and beautiful gift of Susan with the black eyes to suffer three rounds of tests before they are eligible to run last weekend in Pimlico. All three passed by and were allowed to walk.
Medina Spirit was third and ninth concert tour at Preakness on Saturday. Beautiful Gift was seventh in the black-eyed Susan Friday.
Baffert has had five violations involving improper medicine levels in his horses in the last 13 months. He was fined in Kentucky and Arkansas and avoided a suspension in Arkansas after appeal.
Animal Wellness Action activist Marty Irby praised Nyra’s decision, saying the organization is “pleased to see that the state of New York continues to make the welfare of the horse and the elimination of fraudsters from the industry an absolute priority.”