If you have been following the Breeders’ Cup 2021 for a while, you must be familiar with Bob Baffert. The all-time leading trainer of Breeders’ Cup is going to participate this year’s event edition that takes place from November 5 to 6 at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in Del Mar, California.
Back then, folks had just been expecting something. rumors were coming to pass. According to the Breeders’ Cup officials, there would be a way for Baffert to participate in the upcoming event. They gave the statement on Sunday.
Baffert’s participation will absolutely be possible when some conditions are met. Some of the certain conditions are the enchanced security of the barn, as well as improved out-of-competition testing for his horses.
Back then in September, the event officials stated that they were planning to conduct a review process to conclude Baffert’s status in the rise of failed drug tests. The Medina Spirit positive test for the corticosteroid betamethasone was the fifth drug test which resulted in a failure. It is also the third in the Grade 1 race, which is not a good record over a one-year period.
The hearing for Medina Spirit has yet to take place. In the meantime, Baffert’s attorneys and the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission have been in court to test the split sample from the horse. Baffer has also been involved in legal matters with the NY Racing Association.
In this other case, the New York Racing Association has been looking to ban the trainer from participating on the tracks.
Moreover, Churchill Downs Inc. also stated that they wouldn’t allow Baffert to use their facilities, including for racing or stable. That includes the ban at the flagship track in Louisville, where the Kentucky Derby event takes place. The banning of Churchill Downs will go on until the end of 2023. That means we won’t see Baffert’s participation in the next two Kentucky Derbies.
The effects are not only going to the trainer, but also the horses under his care. Churchill Downs officials concluded that the horses under Baffert’s care wouldn’t be awarded the formal points for the Kentucky Derby.
The Breeders Cup has high standards in racing which focus on the high level of safety and performance of all of the participants, including the horses, riders, fans, and punters. The Breeders’ Cup Board of Directors has prepared a special review to evaluate the participation of Bob Baffert in the upcoming event. The officials will determine if they can allow Baffert to participate in the 2021 World Championships as well.
With such an announcement, the officials have also given the nod to provide an opportunity for Mr. Baffert to participate in the board meeting. When it comes to the inquiries, the Board officials have appreciated Baffert’s participation and cooperation in all of the progress.
The Breeders’ Cup officials have decided to pint strict requirements to Mr. Baffert in order to participate in the upcoming Breeders’ Cup 2021. The horses presented by Baffert must undergo a series of security and performance protocols. The standards are high enough so that only deserving participants will be able to join in the riot.
I guess we just need to wait again until the decision is made.
