ELMONT, NY – The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today announced the temporary suspension of Bob Baffert from entering horses in races and occupying stall space at Belmont Park, Saratoga Race Course, and Aqueduct Racetrack.
Full Card Plays Now Available
There’s a reason we’re the #1 trusted source for premium racing picks & info.
“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 in a press release. “That responsibility demands the action taken today in the best interests of thoroughbred racing.”
On Sunday, May 9, 2021, Mr. Baffert publicly acknowledged that the Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Medina Spirit tested positive for betamethasone, a banned corticosteroid that would trigger a disqualification and loss of purse money should a split sample return the same finding. The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission is required to await the split-sample results before rendering a final determination in the matter.
In addition to the ongoing investigation into Medina Spirit’s victory in the Kentucky Derby, NYRA has taken into account the fact that other horses trained by Mr. Baffert have failed drug tests in the recent past, resulting in the assessment of penalties against him by thoroughbred racing regulators in Kentucky, California, and Arkansas.
During the temporary suspension, NYRA will not accept entries or provide stall space to any individual employed by Bob Baffert Racing Stables.
NYRA expects to make a final determination regarding the length and terms of Mr. Baffert’s suspension based on information revealed during the course of the ongoing investigation in Kentucky, such as the post-Kentucky Derby test results of Medina Spirit.
- 2025 Belmont Derby & Oaks Previews + July 4th Weekend Picks | Blinkers Off 733
- Fireworks at the Spa: Expert Picks for Saratoga’s Star-Studded July 4th Racing Festival
- Belmont Oaks Picks and Preview 2025 | Nitrogen Tries to Continue Her Dominance
- Belmont Derby Picks and Preview 2025 | Final Gambit Moves Back to Turf
- Suburban Stakes Picks and Preview 2025 | Locked Looks for Bounce Back Effort
- Indiana Derby Picks and Preview 2025 | Coal Battle Hopes to Get Back to Winners Circle