Arguing for Bob Baffert’s 90-day suspension from training, his legal team said in a court filing made on March 16 that “a final administrative hearing” is scheduled. scheduled for April 18, about a month after the hearing scheduled for March 17 at the Franklin Circuit. Court before Judge Thomas Wingate.
At Thursday’s hearing before Judge Wingate, Baffert’s lawyers will ask him to uphold the coach’s suspension pending further trial due to Zedan Racing Stables’ managers’ disqualification. . Medina Spirit from the 2021 Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) at Churchill Downs. Medina Spirit finished first but was managed last because it tested positive for betamethasone.
ANGST & KING: Medina Spirit out of 2021 Kentucky Derby win
The reference to an administrative hearing in Wednesday’s court filings is brief in detail. Usually, when a party appeals an in-state manager’s ruling, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission appoints a hearing officer who will review the evidence and testimony before making a recommendation to the KHRC. Commissions generally follow that recommendation, although it’s not required.
Baffert’s attorney, Craig Robertson, declined to comment further on the KHRC appeal beyond confirming the April 18 hearing date. KHRC, known as the respondent in the case, has a policy not to comment on legal matters. management is active.
Thursday’s hearing will be the second time the attorneys have appeared in Wingate’s court to contest Baffert’s stay in suspension. At the first hearing on March 2, Wingate and attorneys for Baffert and KHRC agreed to adjourn the case for 15 days. Meanwhile, KHRC on March 4 heard Baffert’s request to deny the shutdown offered by chief executive Marc Guilfoil. That request was defeated by a 10-0 vote, returning the matter to Wingate Thursday.
Wingate said March 2 that he would make a decision on the request to stay by March 21.
