Trainer Bob Baffert Handed Temporary Suspension by NYRA

Baffert Handed Temporary Suspension From NYRA Tracks
by NYRA Press Office as Reported by The Paulick Report | 05.17.2021 | 4:17pm
https://www.paulickreport.com/news/the-biz/baffert-handed-temporary-suspension-from-nyra-tracks/

"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.

“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. “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 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."

 

-- Jeff Platt

For HANA

Trainer Linda Rice Suspended 3 Years/Fined $50K by New York State Gaming Commission

Linda Rice’s License Revoked, Trainer Fined $50,000
The Paulick Report | by Chelsea Hackbarth | 05.17.2021 | 1:49pm
https://www.paulickreport.com/news/the-biz/linda-rices-license-revoked-trainer-fined-50000/

"New York-based trainer Linda Rice has been fined $50,000 and had her license to participate in Thoroughbred racing revoked for “actions inconsistent with and detrimental to the best interest of racing generally and corrupt and improper acts and practices in relation to racing,” the New York State Gaming Commission revealed on Monday, May 17. The trainer will not be permitted to apply for a new license for a period of three years.

The NYSGC first launched an investigation into Rice's operation in early 2018, on the claim that she traded money for information from the racing office. That information, such as which horses were likely to enter races before the race had closed, could have given her a competitive advantage.

The investigation uncovered evidence that between 2011 and 2015, Rice received faxes and emails from former entry clerks Jose Morales and Matt Salvato, giving her the names and past performance records of horses prior to draw time. Senior racing office management has said the names of trainers and horses in a given race are not to be released until after a race is drawn (with stakes races being the exception)."

-- Jeff Platt 

For HANA