As everyone associated with Thoroughbred racing knows, the New York Racing Association informed Bob Baffert prior to the Belmont Stakes that it would not allow him to enter horses in races, or have stall space access, at its racetracks.
Baffert’s recent of medication violations–five within one year, inappropriate statements re Kentucky Derby “winner” Medina Spirit, and Churchill Downs’ suspension of the trainer were not consistent with NYRA’s definition of racing’s best interests.
Most recently, the Eastern District of New York determined that NYRA’s suspension of Baffert should not have taken place without a hearing allowing Baffert due process. But all racetracks cite private property rights and in-the-best-interests-of-racing considerations in their actions.
Resultingly, Baffert cannot be prohibited from entering his horses at NYRA tracks. The Court ordered that since the suspension was levied by a state authority, due process is required.
Gamine, a 4-year-old daughter of Into Mischief who never has lost a race around one turn, will be entered in Saratoga’s G1 Ballerina at 7 furlongs next month. The Ballerina is a “win-and-in” qualifier for the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint at the same trip as the filly seeks to defend her Eclipse title.
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So where does that leave Dick Dutrow? What kind of BS is that?
Sadly, on the sidelines, Vin. Shows you that vindictive politics is much tougher to overcome than actually breaking the rules. Why should racing be any different than real world injustice?