Bob Baffert, fitness instructor of Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit, stands near the track at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, April 28, 2021.
Bryan Woolston|Reuters
Hall of Fame horseman Bob Baffert released a federal suit Monday night versus Churchill Downs, declaring his two-year suspension by the track is a “malicious” effort targeted at “destroying” his profession.
The suit submitted in the Western District of Kentucky came days after among Baffert’s most popular horses, Medina Spirit, was posthumously removed of his Kentucky Derby win in 2015.
Medina Spirit was discovered to have traces of a legal steroid, called Betamethasone or Otomax, in his system after the race.
The medication can assist a horse handle discomfort and swelling and lots of locations need it run out the animal’s system by race day. Overuse of the drug might alarmingly mask more major bone and joint problems, vets have actually stated.
“Churchill Downs knows the post-race test report occurred as a result of the use of a harmless ointment known as Otomax,” Baffert’s lawyer Clark Brewster stated in a declaration.
“They know it was prescribed by Medina Spirit’s treating veterinarian and properly and timely reported to the data bank the day it was dispensed. They know no rule was violated, and the ointment could never have enhanced Medina Spirit’s performance. To maintain otherwise is absurd.”
In the federal grievance, Baffert’s attorneys stated Churchill Downs Inc., moms and dad business of the renowned track in Louisville, “has, with malicious intent, caused significant damage to Baffert’s ability to conduct his customary business on a national scale.”
The suit states “it is apparent that CDI’s targeted sanctions have the singular aim of destroying Baffert’s career.”
John Velazquez aboard Medina Spirit (8) wins the 147 th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.
Michael Clevenger|U.S.A. TODAY Sports|Reuters
Churchill DownsInc blasted Baffert on Tuesday, stating his suit was “disappointing but certainly not surprising.”
“His claims are meritless and consistent with his pattern of failed drug tests, denials, excuses and attempts to blame others and identify loopholes in order to avoid taking responsibility for his actions,” according to the business declaration.
“These actions have harmed the reputations of the Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs and the entire Thoroughbred racing industry. Churchill Downs will fight this baseless lawsuit and defend our company’s rights. What’s at stake here is the integrity of our races, the safety of horses and the trust of the millions of fans and bettors who join us every year on the first Saturday in May.”
Medina Spirit passed away throughout an exercise onDec 6 at Santa Anita of an an obvious cardiac arrest.
