Julia Nikhinson/AP
Silver-haired Bob Baffert coached National Treasure, who won the Preakness Stakes on Saturday.
CNN –
A federal court in Kentucky has dismissed the final remaining claim in a lawsuit brought by Hall of Fame horse trainer Bob Baffert against the company that hosts the Kentucky Derby, court filings show.
Baffert sued Churchill Downs Inc. in 2022 after they suspended him for two years following the failed drug test of 2021 Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit.
Baffert had argued that his suspension had negatively impacted his business and reputation.
Earlier this year, the judge in Kentucky’s Western District denied his request for an injunction to lift a two-year ban imposed by Churchill Downs and dismissed all but one of Baffert’s claims. In the only remaining lawsuit, Baffert alleged that Churchill Downs violated his rights to due process regarding his Kentucky-issued horse trainer license by suspending him.
U.S. District Judge Rebecca Grady Jennings’ memorandum Wednesday found that any violation of Baffert did not constitute a violation of due process because he could not prove that he was deprived of a title.
Baffert had argued that Churchill Downs’ suspension rendered his state-issued coaching license worthless.
In the ruling, the judge said that “undisputed evidence shows that Baffert’s license is not worthless,” such as the fact that it has “earned over $1 million in Commonwealth horse races at other circuits.” The judge also noted that he could continue to use his Kentucky license to train horses, race his horses, and apply for stalls post-race.
CNN has reached out to Baffert’s attorney for comment.
Baffert became the most winning coach in Preakness Stakes history after National Treasure crossed the finish line first on Saturday at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland.
Baffert made headlines earlier on Saturday when Havnameltdown, a horse he trained, was euthanized after sustaining a serious left front leg injury in an undercard race.
“Totally wiped out after the horse was injured,” said an emotional Baffert after the National Treasure win. “The emotions of this game. There are so many responsibilities that a trainer has…To win this race it really hurt to lose that horse today but I’m happy for (jockey) Johnny (Velasquez) that he got the win. I have a great team, I have my boys with me. I’m sorry but it was a very emotional day.”
Baffert, who has coached more Triple Crown race winners (17) than any other coach, was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, New York in 2009. He has won the Coach of the Year award for the fourth time.
Medina Spirit, a 12-1 favorite at the time of injury time, crossed the finish line first at the 2021 Kentucky Derby. But a blood test revealed the horse had been on race-day betamethasone — an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid sometimes used to relieve joint pain — which Kentucky equine protocols don’t allow.
Baffert said a dermatitis ointment could be responsible for the test result.
Following Medina Spirit’s blood test, Baffert was also suspended from the New York Racing Association, a suspension that ended in January. He missed the Preakness in 2022 because he was suspended by Maryland’s horse racing commission at the time.
Medina Spirit collapsed during a training session in December 2021 and died. His Kentucky Derby win was annulled in February 2022.