Santa Anita, CHRB to await Kentucky decision on Baffert

Santa Anita Park and the California Horse Racing Board on Wednesday each reiterated they will await the regulatory process to be completed in Kentucky before any possible disciplinary action is taken against trainer Bob Baffert. 

When contacted by Horse Racing Nation, the CHRB referred to a statement from early last week noting it would wait for an official ruling from the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, while Santa Anita Park — Baffert's home base for decades — posted a statement on social media late Wednesday saying it will do likewise.

From Santa Anita:

"The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission — which is the governing body for horse racing in Kentucky — has not released all of the information or has it offered a ruling on this matter. We will continue to await action by the KHRC and will make a decision once their regulatory process is complete."

Earlier in the day, Baffert was handed a two-year suspension by Churchill Downs Inc. after it was confirmed Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit tested positive for the regulated medication betamethasone. 

[Related: Churchill Downs Inc. suspends Baffert 2 years]

While CDI's action came swiftly, a spokesman for the CHRB pointed out "state agencies have a lot more regulations than private property owners to follow" when it comes to disciplinary measures.

In its action, Churchill Downs Inc. stated Baffert's "record of testing failures threatens public confidence in thoroughbred racing and the reputation of the Kentucky Derby."

Medina Spirit's failed Kentucky Derby test comes some eight months after stablemate Gamine was disqualified from a third-place finish in the Sept. 4 Kentucky Oaks after also testing positive for betamethasone. 

Baffert is suspended from all CDI tracks through the 2023 Churchill Downs Spring meet.