Baffert, Ryan speak on transfer of Kentucky Derby horses

Calling it a “tough but necessary decision,” the lead owner of four Kentucky Derby contenders praised Bob Baffert for moving the horses to two trainers who are eligible to take part in the May 7 classic.

“Messier, Doppelgänger, McLaren Vale and Blackadder are some of racing’s most exciting colts this year, and we are grateful for Bob’s outstanding training effort with them,” said Tom Ryan of SF Racing, the managing partner in the horses’ ownership group. “We salute Bob for making the tough but necessary decision that will allow them to prove themselves as top talents in racing this year.”

RELATED: Baffert transfers 4 Derby contenders.

According to a news release confirming the horses’ transfer, Messier, Doppelgänger and McLaren Vale will remain on the West Coast and moved to trainer Tim Yakteen, a former assistant to Baffert. Blackadder has been transferred to Rodolphe Brisset in Kentucky.

In a Twitter post, Ryan said, “Tim Yakteen and Rodolphe Brissett are both top-class horsemen. Bob has consistently impressed on the ownership group that this quartet has earned a shot at the title, vital for the sport and the fans. Bob has meticulously managed Messier, Doppelgänger, McLaren Vale and Blackadder.”

“With Yakteen based in Southern California, this transfer will minimize disruption to the racing and training schedules for these horses,” the news release said.

“Following first place wins at Santa Anita Park in December 2021 and at the El Camino Real Derby in February 2022, Blackadder has been moved from California to Kentucky to train under Rodolphe Brisset and is expected to target an East Coast prep race for the Kentucky Derby,” said the statement from a Washington D.C. public-relations firm representing Baffert.

“The most important thing to me is that Messier, Doppelgänger, McLaren Vale and Blackadder, some of the top talents in racing this year, are able to compete,” Baffert said in the news release. “I encouraged the owners to move them not only because it is best for these horses and their future in racing but also for fans of the sport who are excited to watch them run. I know that they are in good hands training with Tim and Rudy, and I look forward to cheering them on.”

The moves were forced after Baffert and his attorneys were unable to win a court order to set aside a two-year suspension that the trainer was handed by Churchill Downs Inc. after the late Medina Spirit failed a drug test after finishing first in the 2021 Kentucky Derby. That led to the colt’s disqualification as the Derby winner.

“Churchill has imposed unprecedented unilateral demands and restrictions regarding participation of these horses,” Baffert’s Oklahoma-based attorney Clark Brewster said in the news release. “Legal remedies on Bob’s behalf may not be finalized for several months. Therefore, the transfer of training from Bob to Mr. Yakteen will mitigate the losses – at least as they relate to these four horses – during the pendency of the administrative agency and court proceedings.”

Baffert and his attorneys – Brewster and Kentucky-based Craig Robertson – are fighting both the two-year suspension as well as the disqualification of Medina Spirit, a matter that involves the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.