NYRA Receives Boost in Bob Baffert Case

It is bad news on the horizon for trainer Bob Baffert who battles for his horse racing career, as he was previously involved in a horse drug use scandal. This Tuesday federal judge ruled that the New York Racing Association could proceed with its administrative hearings to suspend Mr. Baffert from the association’s facilities.

Mr. Baffert who is one of the most successful trainers in the country is facing charges after a horse who he trained, Medina Spirit has tested positive for drug use after winning the Kentucky Derby in May. In addition to that, the trainer has been cited for at least 29 more failed drug tests in the course of four decades.

Seeking Legal Action

After Medina Spirit’s win in the Kentucky Derby, the New York Racing Association banned the horse and the trainer from the Belmont Stakes, and from racing on any of the association’s tracks in the state. In response to this, Mr. Baffert submitted an action to the U.S. District Court in June against the association and he won the preliminary ruling since the association did not give him a hearing before or after suspending him.

Due to this decision, Mr. Baffert was allowed to continue racing in the state during the summer and in the fall. During that time, the trainer managed to win over US$1.7 million in purses, which is 16% of his total career winnings. But now the association has managed to set the groundwork for the suspension of the trainer.

This week, U.S. District Judge Carol Bagley Amon ruled that NYRA can go ahead with its proceeding of barring Mr. Baffert from its horse racing facilities. The association is expected to have its first hearing next week. Former Solicitor General and judge Peter Sherwood will be overseeing the administrative process.

Spokesperson for NYRA Patrick McKenna said that the association is pleased with the court’s ruling to proceed with the trial. He explained that the court has determined that NYRA’s actions were in compliance with both the letter and spirit of the July 14 order. According to Mr. McKenna, the association’s intent is to protect the integrity of the sports.

Another Court Ruling

Recently, the New York Racing Association has been involved in another court ruling regarding its horse racing tracks. In September, the court decided that Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen will have to pay over US$610,000 in back pay for underpaying staff members from Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course. The trainer has been responsible for underpaying over 170 at the two horse racing facilities.

New Coalition

At the end of September, a group of small businesses, organizations, unions, and non-profits have joined forces for the creation of the We Are NY Horse Racing coalition. The alliance will now be tasked with educating locals on the importance of the horse racing industry to the state’s economy. Some of the founding members include NYRA, New York Thoroughbred Breeders, DZ Restaurants, Belmont Child Care Association, and many more.

Source: Munson, Emilie “NYRA can start process to suspend Bob Baffert from horse racing, judge rules”, Time Union, October 5, 2021