No Preakness: Maryland formally recognizes Baffert suspension

The Maryland Racing Commission put in writing what was widely known already across the racing landscape: It will recognize Bob Baffert's 90-day Kentucky suspension and keep him out of the Preakness Stakes.

The commission's regulations required that it suspend any trainer who has been suspended in another state. So the Maryland suspension went into effect after Baffert's 90-day suspension in Kentucky began last Monday.

The suspension was in response to Medina Spirit's failed drug test after the 2021 Kentucky Derby and came after Baffert was unsuccessful in having the punishment lifted. Baffert's horses also were unable to collect qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby, and many of them have been transferred to other trainers.

WBAL-TV in Baltimore provided this link to a letter written by Michael Hopkins, executive director of the Maryland Racing Commission, to Marty Irby, executive director of Animal Wellness Action. Written in response to Irby's request that Baffert be suspended from racing in Maryland, Hopkins explained that the suspension already was required by regulations.