Federal judge overturns horse trainer Bob Baffertâs suspension from New York Racing Association
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Updated: 6:13 PM EDT Jul 14, 2021
The Associated Press
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Updated: 6:13 PM EDT Jul 14, 2021
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VICKI: WE BEGIN TONIGHT WITH BREAKING NEWS. THE JUDGE SHA OVERTURNED BOB BAFFERTâS SUSPENSION. A NEW YORK FEDERAL JUDGE NULLIFIED IT TODAY, FINDING THAT THE NEW YORK RANGCI ASSOCIATION ACTED UNCONSTITUTIONALLY BYOT N LETTING HIM RESPOND FIRST. THE TRAINER CLAIMS MEDINA SPI
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Updated: 6:13 PM EDT Jul 14, 2021
The Associated Press
A New York federal judge on Wednesday nullified the suspension of horse trainer Bob Baffert, finding that the New York Racing Association acted unconstitutionally by failing to let him adequately respond to claims made against him after Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit failed a postrace drug test.In her written ruling, Brooklyn Judge Carol Bagley Amon said a prompt post-suspension hearing where Baffert could refute the claims was required to meet constitutional muster.But she said the racing association âhad held no hearing â let alone a prompt one.âAmon said she concluded that Baffert had established a likelihood that he will prove that the suspension violated the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. She said he also made a âstrong showingâ that there would be irreparable harm if the suspension was not overturned.Amon noted that lawyers for the New York Racing Association had argued at a hearing Monday that the public depends on it to ensure races are conducted in a fair and honest manner and to protect the integrity of the sport.âThat may be true, but the public has no interest in having the âintegrity of the sportâ enforced by unconstitutional means,â she wrote.At Mondayâs hearing, Henry Greenberg, arguing for the racing association, said the organization acted quickly because the Belmont Stakes, the third prong of horse racingâs Triple Crown, was fast approaching.The NYRA operates Belmont Park, Aqueduct and Saratoga Race Course.In Baffertâs lawsuit last month seeking to get the suspension lifted, the Hall of Famer contended he was suspended without âany prior noticeâ and was not told the duration or terms of the suspension or any New York state law or regulation he might have violated.The decision by the judge does not alter Baffert's suspension from Churchill Downs.