Bob Baffert the trainer of Medina Spirit talks to the media during the training for the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on April 29, 2021 in Louisville, Kentucky.
Andy Lyons | Getty Images
Horse trainer Bob Baffert was temporarily suspended Monday by New York racing officials from entering horses — including Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit — in the upcoming Belmont Stakes or races at other major state tracks as a result of Medina Spirit’s positive test for a banned drug after its Derby victory.
The suspension applies to any Baffert-trained horses at Belmont Park, Saratoga Race Course and Aqueduct Racetrack, the three major thoroughbred racing venues in New York.
The New York Racing Association said that its decision to bar Baffert’s horses, for now, took into account not only the probe into Medina Spirit’s Derby win, but also “the fact that other horses trained by Mr. Baffert have failed drug tests in the recent past, resulting in the assessment of penalties against him by thoroughbred racing regulators in Kentucky, California, and Arkansas.”
John Velazquez guides Medina Spirit to win the 147th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.
Jamie Rhodes | USA TODAY Sports | Reuters
New York Racing Association CEO Dave O’Rourke said, “In order to maintain a successful thoroughbred racing industry in New York, NYRA must protect the integrity of the sport for our fans, the betting public and racing participants.”
“That responsibility demands the action taken today in the best interests of thoroughbred racing,” O’Rourke said.
Medina Spirit on Saturday finished third in the Preakness Stakes behind the winner Rombauer, and Midnight Bourbon, which finished second.
If a second test sample confirms that positive result, Medina Spirit will be stripped of the Derby win.
This is breaking news. Please check back for updates.
