The Battle Between Bob Baffert and Churchill Downs nears Finality

The Kentucky Derby has crowned two champions since Medina Spirit was disqualified by a failed drug test. The horse has since passed away, yet the battle in court over Medina Spirit’s Kentucky Derby victory and failed drug test continues… but maybe not for much longer.

Sharing all of the fine details surrounding this story are difficult because, for the lack of a better term, horse racing is stupid. The various state-by-state commissions that run the sport just add more bureaucratic red tape. Additionally, there were two matters being adjudicated at the same time by two different bodies of law.

What we know: Racing stewards found Medina Spirit tested positive for betamethasone on the day of the horse’s Kentucky Derby victory. The horse was stripped of its victory, pending appeal, and Bob Baffert was suspended.

In response, Medina Spirit’s ownership group filed an appeal to the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. When Churchill Downs dropped the hammer and issued the trainer a two-year suspension (which is still ongoing), Baffert sued the Twin Spires.

In two of the last three days, Bob Baffert received bad news on both accounts.

The appeal to keep Medina Spirit as the winner of the Kentucky Derby is almost out of appeals. Friday evening a hearing officer from the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission recommended upholding the Kentucky Derby disqualification. This would strip the Zedans of the $1.86 million in Derby winnings and officially hand the crown to Mandaloun. However, this ruling can still be appealed to Kentucky circuit court. If you want more details on the back-and-forth, Bloodhorse has you covered.

Days before this decision, Baffert took an L in his civil suit against Churchill Downs. A court granted Churchill Downs’ Motion for Summary Judgment, effectively ending the case. Of course, there can still be appeals, but Churchill Downs is going to walk away with a win in the lawsuit. In a brash statement following the ruling, they may move to extend Baffert’s suspension even further.

“As we stated when we suspended Mr. Baffert in June 2021, we reserve the right to extend his suspension and will communicate our decision at the conclusion of the initial two-year suspension period. This U.S. District Court ruling in our favor is a victory in our ongoing actions and steadfast commitment to protecting the safety of our equine and human athletes.”

Bob Baffert keeps taking Ls, but not until after he bounced back with a win in the Preakness Stakes.