While an investigation is underway into a doping case suffered by the horse Medina Spirit, recent winner of the Kentucky Derby, his trainer, Bob Baffert, has been temporarily suspended from all activities held on the racetracks managed by the ‘New York Running Association (NYRA).
This is what the association announced on Monday. This suspension will continue until the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission investigation is concluded. Thus, Baffert’s horses are obviously not expected to take part in the Belmont Stakes, which is due to take place on June 5th.
“In order to maintain a thriving thoroughbred racing industry in New York City, the NYRA must protect the integrity of the sport for our fans, the betting public and racing participants,” said the President and CEO of NYRA’s Dave O’Rourke in a statement. This responsibility requires action taken [lundi].»
Aqueduct Racetrack and Saratoga Race Course are also regulated by the NYRA. Baffert will also be banned there until proven guilty.
On May 9, Baffert confirmed that traces of betamethasone corticosteroid, a prohibited inflammatory that treats osteoarthritis in horses, had been discovered in the body of the stallion.
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