Churchill Downs extends Baffert suspension through 2024

Churchill Downs Inc. extended its suspension of trainer Bob Baffert through calendar year 2024, saying that the move is "based on continued concerns regarding the threat to the safety and integrity of racing he poses to CDI-owned racetracks."

The CDI statement announcing the extended suspension characterized Baffert's response to Medina Spirit's positive test after the 2021 Kentucky Derby as a "false narrative". In response, Baffert disputed CDI's claim, stating that he has been "honest and forthcoming" about his treatment of Medina Spirit leading into the race.

The company released the following statement Monday.

“Mr. Baffert continues to peddle a false narrative concerning the failed drug test of Medina Spirit at the 147th Kentucky Derby from which his horse was disqualified by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission in accordance with Kentucky law and regulations. Prior to that race, Mr. Baffert signed an agreement with Churchill Downs which stated that he was responsible for understanding the rules of racing in Kentucky and that he would abide by them. The results of the tests clearly show that he did not comply, and his ongoing conduct reveals his continued disregard for the rules and regulations that ensure horse and jockey safety, as well as the integrity and fairness of the races conducted at our facilities.

"A trainer who is unwilling to accept responsibility for multiple drug test failures in our highest-profile races cannot be trusted to avoid future misconduct. Mr. Baffert will remain suspended from entering horses at all racetracks owned by CDI through 2024. After such time, we will re-evaluate his status."

Baffert's two-year suspension at CDI-owned tracks was due to expire Monday, closing day of would would have been the Churchill Downs meet, which was moved to Ellis Park. When it issued that suspension, CDI reserved the right to extend it if the company deemed such action was appropriate.

In response to the announcement from CDI, Baffert responded with a statement by text to Horse Racing Nation.

"I am at a loss to understand Churchill Downs’ latest action to suspend me. From the moment I learned of Medina Spirit’s post-race positive – now more than two years ago – I committed to find out how it could have occurred, given that we had never injected Medina Spirit's joints with betamethasone, which the veterinary records confirm. A review of our treatment records showed we used a topical ointment called Otomax for a skin infection, and post-race testing of the sample confirmed the positive test came from a topical application.

"I have been open, honest and forthcoming about these events. I have acknowledged that our treatment led to the positive and I informed the Kentucky Racing Commission that we had treated Medina Spirit this way.  

"I have been advised by my attorneys that the use of Otomax is permitted under the rules, and this issue is presently being adjudicated by the Racing Commission in a case presently before them.  In no way does this involve a "disregard for the rules".

"In the interests of the sport we all love, I have made no public comments on this unfortunate episode for an extended period of time so the suggestion that I "continue to peddle a false narrative" is patently false."

This is the latest chapter in the ongoing dispute between the Hall of Fame trainer and CDI that stemmed from the discovery of betamethasone, a banned anti-inflammatory substance, in a sample after Medina Spirit crossed the Kentucky Derby finish line ahead of Mandaloun.

In appealing the CDI suspension and a suspension by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, Baffert and Medina Spirit owner Amr Zedan said the betamethasone that turned up in the test was legal because it came from a skin cream and not through an injection. They also said it was applied outside of the window recommended by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission for it to get out of the horse’s system. CDI and the KHRC said that the betamethasone overage was illegal no matter how or when it was administered.

In May, a federal judge rejected the final claim in a lawsuit brought by Baffert against CDI to challenge the suspension. At the time, Baffert attorney Clark Brewster said the ruling would be appealed.