Baker Fined, Suspended for Drug Positive at Churchill

Trainer Jimmy Baker has begun serving a 15 day-suspension after a post-race test indicated Fed Money  tested positive for metformin after winning the 10th race at Churchill Downs Nov. 4. The Horned Frog Stable-owned colt has also been disqualified and Baker fined $500.

Fed Money forfeited $28,000 first prize with the disqualification. He crossed the wire first in the maiden claiming race at 4-1 odds. 

Metformin has been used in horses to counteract the effects of equine metabolic syndrome. In humans, the drug is often used to treat diabetes by reducing glucose absorption from the intestine and decreasing the amount of glucose produced by the liver. 

Metformin falls in Class B of Kentucky's drug classifications, with a higher potential to influence performance than those in Class C and D.

In a ruling dated Feb. 26, Kentucky stewards cited mitigating circumstances (number of violations in relation to overall record) in assessing a penalty to Baker, staying 15 days of an original 30-day suspension. His suspension dates are March 1-15.

According to Thoroughbredrulings.com, Baker had two horses cited in 2016-17 for methocarbamol violations, his only published medication rulings on that website. He has trained horses since 1989.

Baker last ran a horse Feb. 28 at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, where he bases his stable during the winter months. Fed Money competed Feb. 25 at Fair Grounds, winning a claiming race there.