Bob Baffert vows to prevent further positive tests after 'difficult' year

US Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert will do "everything possible" to prevent further positive tests in his horses after a string of high-profile setbacks this year.

Baffert, who trained 2015 and 2018 Triple Crown winners American Pharoah and Justify, has had three horses fail tests for banned raceday substances in 2020, the latest revealed to be Gamine after she finished third in September’s Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs.

Gamine and stablemate Charlatan had also failed drugs tests in May after running at Oaklawn Park in Arkansas, leading to the disqualification of both horses.

Justify also faces being disqualified from the 2018 Santa Anita Derby after testing positive for the banned substance scopolamine following the race. Stewards at the California Horse Racing Board are considering whether or not to strip the unbeaten colt of the race following a hearing conducted last week, in which it was established the contamination was environmental.

Baffert admitted in a statement on Wednesday that 2020 had been "difficult" and he would be increasing training of his staff, personal oversight of his operation and would be retaining a vet to provide extra vigilance in the care of his horses.

He said: "2020 has been a difficult year for everyone. It has been no exception for my family, my barn and me. I'm very aware of the several incidents this year concerning my horses and the impact it has had on my family, horse racing, and me.

"I want to have a positive influence on the sport. Horses have been my life and I owe everything to them and the tremendous sport in which I have been so fortunate to be involved.

"We can always do better and that is my goal. Given what has transpired this year, I intend to do everything possible to ensure I receive no further medication complaints."

Baffert said he shared the disappointment some had expressed at the failed tests and outlined his ambition to have a positive influence within the sport now and in the future.

"I want to raise the bar and set the standard for equine safety and rule compliance going forward," he said. "For those of you that have been upset over the incidents of this past year, I share in your disappointment.

"I humbly vow to do everything within my power to do better. I want my legacy to be one of making every effort to do right by the horse and the sport."

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