Maryland Racing Commission responds to animal activists’ inquiry
When the news came down that the Maryland Racing Commission had suspended Bob Baffert from the Preakness Stakes it didn’t come from a press release from the Commission or a scoop from racing media. The story broke in the Washington Post generated by a press release from several animal activist groups— Center for a Humane Economy, Animal Wellness Action, and the Animal Wellness Foundation.
These organizations reported they had sent a letter to the Commission Friday, April 8 regarding Baffert. The letter stated:
“I write today to request the Maryland Racing Commission take formal action to suspend notorious horse trainer Bob Baffert for a minimum of 90 days. This move would effectively reciprocate the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission’s suspension of Baffert, which was upheld by the Kentucky Court of Appeals on April 1 and began on April 4.”
According to the organizations’ press release J. Michael Hopkins, executive director at the Commission, responded to the request on Monday.
Mr. Hopkins cited the regulation (COMAR 09.10.04.07) that explained that no action on the part of the Commission was necessary as Mr. Baffert was already ineligible to participate in the Preakness due to reciprocity.
No formal announcement or press release was issued from the Commission, The Stronach Group or The Maryland Jockey Club.
When any news about Bob Baffert breaks mainstream media jumps on it. By Tuesday every outlet from CNN to NBC had covered it. But not the entire story.
We all know the rest of the story. As of April 4 Baffert’s 90-day suspension resulting from the KHRB ruling began. And given that the Belmont Stakes is 51 days after the suspension began there will be no horses running in Baffert’s name in New York, also reciprocal.
Baffert-trainees are already in the barns of Sean McCarthy and Tim Yakteen with the latter taking top honors at the Santa Anita Derby with Taiba.
Taiba, just off winning his debut, was the first horse to win the Santa Anita Derby in his second start. The win gave him a spot in the Kentucky Derby as well.
Hall of Fame trainer Baffert has won the Preakness a record seven times in 1997 with Silver Charm, 1998 with Real Quiet, 2001 with Point Given, 2002 with War Emblem, 2010 with Lookin At Lucky, 2015 with American Pharoah and 2017 with Justify, who also won the Santa Anita Derby to gain entry to the Kentucky Derby.
Past The Wire Staff
Photo: American Pharoah winning the 2015 Preakness. (Eric Kalet)
