Baffert's Breeders' Cup participation is being reviewed

Embattled trainer Bob Baffert’s status for participation at this year’s Breeders’ Cup is being reviewed by the organization in the wake of his two-year suspension from Churchill Downs and potential suspension by the New York Racing Association.

“The Breeders’ Cup Board has commenced a review process as to whether Bob Baffert will be permitted to participate in this year’s Breeders’ Cup World Championships," the organization said in a statement to Horse Racing Nation. Blood-Horse first reported on the subject earlier Saturday. "The process will include an opportunity for Mr. Baffert to present his case and will conclude in advance of pre-entry for the 2021 World Championships.”

The pre-entry deadline for this year’s Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Del Mar is Oct. 25 at 3 p.m. EST.

Churchill Downs suspended Baffert after Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit failed the post-race drug test due to the presence of betamethasone, a corticosteroid that is prohibited on race day in Kentucky. A split sample screening also confirmed the presence of betamethasone.

Per Kentucky rules, a failed test for betamethasone results in a suspension and disqualification. However, Baffert is fighting the case in federal court, largely on the premise that the substance entered Medina Spirit’s system via a medicinal patch to treat a skin irritation. Baffert’s defense team has argued Kentucky’s race-day prohibition of betamethasone only applies to an intra-articular injection, which it is commonly administered.

[Related: Medina Spirit is expected for Pennsylvania Derby]

As a result of Churchill Downs’ suspension, Baffert cannot compete in the 2022 and 2023 Kentucky Derbys. Additionally, on Sept. 10, Churchill Downs announced horses trained by Baffert will also not be eligible to accrue qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby.

NYRA slapped Baffert with a suspension on May 17 due to Medina Spirit’s failed test, which precluded the colt any opportunity from competing in the Belmont Stakes. That suspension was subsequently overturned by a federal judge for failing to meet due process.

Last week, NYRA announced it would revisit suspending Baffert at a hearing scheduled for Sept. 27 as part of newly established rules and procedures by the organization. NYRA served Baffert with charges that included conduct detrimental “to the best interests of racing,” to “the health and safety of horses and jockeys, and to “NYRA business operations.”