Trainer Bob Baffert's suspension by the New York Racing Association has been nullified by a federal judge in New York.
Two days after hearing arguments from NYRA and Baffert's defense team, Judge Carol Bagley Amon ruled NYRA acted unconstitutionally by failing to provide Baffert due process with a hearing where he could refute claims made against him in the wake of Medina Spirit failing a Kentucky Derby drug test. She noted "even if NYRA had probable cause to suspend Baffert...a prompt post-suspension hearing would have been required."
The ruling comes one day before the start of the lucrative Saratoga meeting, which the judge indicated played a role in the decision.
"The 2021 Saratoga summer meet is a one-time opportunity. And given that races are limited to horses of a certain age, an inability to compete in those means those horses will never have the chance," the judge wrote.
"Baffert will face substantial damage to his income, client base and reputation if he cannot enter horses at NYRA races for the indefinite future. He has already lost one prominent client and stands to lose others, and has been deprived of the ability to compete at Belmont."
While Bagley Amon ruled in Baffert's favor, she added NYRA does likely have the ultimate authority to exclude Baffert from its tracks. However, not until he has been awarded his dues process rights.
After the ruling, NYRA provided the following statement:
“On May 17, 2021, at a time of crisis for the sport, the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) took emergency action to temporarily suspend Bob Baffert from racing or training at Belmont Park, Aqueduct Racetrack and Saratoga Race Course. This measure was taken to protect the integrity of thoroughbred racing. NYRA will continue to honor that commitment so that fans, the betting public and racing participants can be confident in a level playing field.
“NYRA is reviewing the court’s decision today to determine our legal options and next steps. What is clear, however, is that Mr. Baffert’s actions and behavior can either elevate or damage the sport. We expect Mr. Baffert to exert appropriate controls over his operation.
"Importantly, the court upheld NYRA’s authority to exclude individuals from its racetracks whose conduct is contrary to the best interests of thoroughbred racing. The court also rejected Baffert’s argument that NYRA had no legal authority to take the action that it did.”
After the ruling was issued, Baffert's attorney Craig Robertson told the Associated Press, "Bob Baffert and NYRA have had a good relationship in the past. My hope is that they can get to that point again for the overall good of horse racing."
