Kentucky Court Denies Baffert Stay of Suspension

A Kentucky district court judge denied trainer Bob Baffert an injunction to stay a 90-day suspension issued by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, but agreed to delay the suspension's start until April 4.

Franklin Circuit Court Judge Thomas Wingate issued a ruling March 21 that denied Baffert his stay but also granted him the right to file an amended complaint in his suit against the KHRC.

The Hall of Fame trainer was given a 90-day suspension after Zedan Racing Stables' Medina Spirit tested positive for betamethasone following the 2021 Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (G1). Because of reciprocity, the suspension—once started—will be honored by all other racing states and major international jurisdictions. In California, Baffert will be required to vacate his barns, remove his signage, and transfer his horses to other trainers.

Baffert's attorneys argued the suspension will cause the trainer irreparable harm, which Wingate did not support.

"On the outset, the court is confident that Baffert's career will not be destroyed by this 90-day suspension. Baffert's track record speaks for itself. Nevertheless, Baffert's claimed injuries again generally relate to economic harm, which is not irreparable under Kentucky law. Also, any potential harm to reputation is not worthy of injunctive relief," said Wingate in his opinion.

Clark Brewster, attorney for Baffert, said they would immediately appeal this ruling.

"We are disappointed with the decision of the Franklin Circuit Court denying a stay of the stewards rulings," Brewster said. "Given the importance of the matter, we intend to immediately appeal to the Kentucky Court of Appeals."

This story will be updated