Baffert to appeal against 'biased' Medina Spirit Kentucky Derby disqualification

Bob Baffert, whose Kentucky Derby hero Medina Spirit was stripped of last year's race on Monday after testing positive for a banned substance, is to appeal against the decision.

The trainer, who had assumed the outright record of most Kentucky Derby wins when the ill-fated son of Protonico provided him with his seventh success in May, was also suspended for 90 days and fined $7,500 by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission after a lengthy process.

His legal team indicated an appeal would be filed immediately. "I'm very disappointed in the ruling," said Baffert's attorney Craig Robertson. "It runs contrary to the scientifically proven facts in this case and the rules of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission."

Fellow attorney Craig Brewster went a step further by saying the "stewards' decision to rob Medina Spirit of a victory he earned was not in accordance with the law but instead represents biased, purposeful, and wrongful action".

Owned by Zedan Racing Stables Inc, Medina Spirit, who died during a workout in December, had tested positive for betamethasone, which the Baffert camp said was used to treat a skin problem, although it is prohibited on raceday.

Medina Spirit was stripped of last year's Kentucky Derby crownCredit: Benoit Photo

As it stands, Baffert is not allowed to field horses at Churchill Downs, which will prevent him from taking part in this year's Kentucky Derby.

Baffert, twice a Triple Crown winner with American Pharoah and Justify, may continue to have runners as other states consider the legal ramifications of the appeal and the ban, which runs from March 8 to June 5.

Should the appeal be dismissed, Mandaloun, owned by Juddmonte Farms and trained by Brad Cox, will go down as the 147th winner of the Kentucky Derby.

The case comes against the backdrop of Baffert facing action from the New York Racing Association (NYRA), which last year banned him from having runners at Belmont Park, Saratoga and Aqueduct, although that ruling was lifted by a federal court and an outcome into the hearing is awaited.

Read more:

Medina Spirit disqualified from Kentucky Derby win with Bob Baffert suspended

Bob Baffert disciplinary hearing kicks off with explosive opening day

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