The new national rules via the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority allow for that level of medication on race day. It was a Kentucky rule at the time that it was not allowed on race day in any amount and CDI was within its rights to suspend Baffert, but if anyone believes the colt won the Kentucky Derby because of those 21 picograms, I’ve got some oceanfront property in Death Valley I’d like to sell.Īnd here’s the kicker: If Medina Spirit won the Derby today with the same amount of betamethasone in his blood, it wouldn’t be an issue. I’m not excusing the fact that 21 picograms of betamethasone were found in Medina Spirit’s bloodstream. As much as CDI wants to control the sport, it can’t regulate how a person feels.
Who better than Baffert, who has more than his share of critics on social media?ĬDI, in announcing the continuation of the suspension this week, cited Baffert’s refusal to admit guilt and peddling “a false narrative concerning the failed drug test of Medina Spirit.” But isn’t this America? Isn’t Baffert allowed to defend himself? If Baffert believes he was treated unfairly, he’s entitled to that opinion. Maybe CDI needed a scapegoat in the aftermath. Instead of the country focusing on the Kentucky Derby itself, the vast majority of attention was negative because of the breakdowns. It wasn’t enough that 12 horses died at Churchill Downs during its spring meet, forcing the company to move racing to Ellis Park.
Remember, this is a sport that is its own worst enemy. The case has been hung up in the courts for more than two years, but Baffert paid his dues and everyone thought the ordeal was over this week. His opinion is based solely on the facts as he sees them. This insider is a part-time horse owner who has no professional connection to Baffert. Three years for a legal medication overage is not justice,” an industry insider told me via text this week. It’s not based on merit, but rather a vendetta against the face of horse racing.ĬDI is upset that Baffert won’t beg forgiveness and holds a grudge against the Hall of Fame trainer because he cost the company money in attorney fees by fighting his case in court. Now it can’t get out of its own way.Ĭhurchill Downs Inc.’s decision to extend trainer Bob Baffert’s two-year suspension, which originally was scheduled to end Monday, through the end of 2024 is another example of a sport gone wrong.
One bad decision after another continues to plague a sport that at one time was one of the nation’s top attractions. Sad to say, racing’s hierarchy again has shot itself in the foot. It’s safe to say that anyone who has a keen interest in the sport hopes the decision-makers are spot-on with their rulings. Chances are good you also love racing or you might not be reading this column.
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