Medina Spirit/Baffert Appeal Hearing Set for June 28
Image:
Description:
Photo: Skip Dickstein
(L-R): Trainer Bob Baffert, jockey John Velazquez, and owner Amr Zedan hold the Kentucky Derby trophy after Medina Spirit crossed the wire first in the 2021 race at Churchill Downs
Shortly before he resumes training early next month following a 90-day regulatory suspension, Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert has a hearing of his appeal of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission decision set to begin June 28.
Craig Robertson, one of Baffert's attorneys, confirmed the hearing remains scheduled for that date despite the trainer having already served the majority of his KHRC suspension related to Medina Spirit testing positive for betamethasone in the 2021 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1).
Baffert was also issued a $7,500 fine in a stewards' ruling, and Zedan Racing Stables' Medina Spirit was disqualified, forfeiting $1.86 million in purse earnings. Juddmonte's Mandaloun , who crossed the wire second, was declared the winner.
Robertson and fellow Baffert attorney Clark Brewster sought a stay pending an appeal, first via the KHRC and later in the court system, and were unsuccessful.
"Obviously, if we were to prevail on appeal, he can't get those lost days back," Robertson wrote in an email to BloodHorse. "That is why we argued for a stay. At this point, the primary relief that can be granted is a reversal of the DQ."
According to Robertson, the hearing, scheduled for three to four days, will take place in Frankfort, Ky.
Marc Guilfoil, executive director of the KHRC, did not reply to two emails requesting details of the hearing.
California trainers Sean McCarthy and Tim Yakteen have overseen the majority of Baffert's runners while Baffert has been suspended.