Federal judge nullifies NYRA’s suspension of Bob Baffert

A New York federal judge said the New York Racing Association acted unconstitutionally by suspending horse trainer Bob Baffert after his horse, Medina Spirit, failed a postrace test at the Kentucky Derby.

Brooklyn Judge Carol Bagley Amon said that by denying Baffert a proper hearing, the NYRA’s suspension violated the Due Process Clause of the 14^th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Lawyers of Baffert and the NYRA argued in front of the court on Monday, July 12.

The NYRA suspended Baffert on May 17 ahead of the Belmont Stakes, the last leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown. A week prior, Baffert admitted Medina Spirit tested positive for betamethasone, a banned steroid.

“In order to maintain a successful thoroughbred racing industry in New York, NYRA must protect the integrity of the sport for our fans, the betting public and racing participants,” said NYRA President and CEO Dave O’Rourke at the time of the suspension. “That responsibility demands the action taken today in the best interests of thoroughbred racing.”

During the June 12 hearing, NYRA lawyer Henry Greenberg argued that Baffert’s participation in the Belmont Stakes would disrupt the fairness of the event.

“That may be true, but the public has no interest in having the ‘integrity of the sport’ enforced by unconstitutional means,” Aman wrote, according to the Associated Press.

Aman also said Baffert could suffer irreparable harm if the suspension was not overturned.

“Baffert will face substantial damage to his income, client base, and reputation if he cannot enter horses at NYRA races for the indefinite future. He has already lost one prominent client and stands to lose others, and has been deprived of the ability to compete at Belmont,” she said.

The AP reported NYRA President O’Rourke is reviewing the court’s decision to determine its legal options.

Baffert’s attorney, W. Craig Robinson III, called the ruling “”one step, in one venue, toward righting those wrongs.”

“Bob Baffert and NYRA have had a good relationship in the past. My hope is that they can get to that point again for the overall good of horse racing,” he said.

Ezra Amacher

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