Baffert Issued 365-Day Suspension at NYRA Tracks; Can Return in January

[Wandering Eyes]

Bob Baffert has been suspended for 365 calendar days, effective immediately, from New York Racing Association tracks, NYRA announced Thursday. The decision comes after the issuance of a hearing report by Judge O. Peter Sherwood in April, with a three-member hearing panel delivering the final determination in the matter.

“After a two-month review of the 50-page hearing report, the panel has moved to suspend Mr. Baffert from racing or training activities at all NYRA tracks for 365 calendar days effective immediately,” NYRA said in a statement.

The panel's decision credits Baffert with 59 days served under the prior NYRA temporary suspension as well as the 90-day suspension issued by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and reciprocally honored by the New York State Gaming Commission. Accordingly, Baffert is excluded from participating in racing or training activities at all NYRA tracks through Jan. 25, 2023.

“This was an impartial and deliberative process that has resulted in a lengthy suspension of the sport's most prominent trainer,” said Dave O'Rourke, NYRA President & CEO. “However, this is not simply about Bob Baffert or any one individual but about protecting the integrity of the sport here in New York. Today's decision advances that goal.”

The 14-page decision issued by the hearing panel can be found here. According to the NYRA hearing rules and procedures, which can be found here, the decision of the hearing panel is “final” and takes effect “immediately.” Further, Rule 16(f) states that, “There shall be no administrative appeal within NYRA of the Panel's final decision.”

In September 2021, NYRA delivered a statement of charges to Baffert alleging that he had engaged in conduct detrimental to the best interests of the sport of thoroughbred racing or potentially injurious to the health or safety of horses or riders. NYRA further charged that the conduct warrants revocation or suspension of Baffert's right to train horses, enter races, or engage in any racing-related activity at all NYRA properties including Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course.

NYRA's administrative hearing regarding Baffert commenced Monday, Jan. 24 and concluded Friday, Jan. 28. Judge Sherwood, a retired New York State Supreme Court Justice, served as hearing officer.

This story will be updated.

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