Baffert temporarily will not be allowed to stable any horses at Belmont Park, Aqueduct Racetrack and Saratoga Race Course or run any of his horses at the New York Racing Association’s tracks. That ban includes races at Belmont Park, with the Belmont Stakes coming up June 5.
“In order to maintain a successful thoroughbred racing industry in New York, NYRA must protect the integrity of the sport for our fans, the betting public and racing participants,” NYRA president and CEO Dave O’Rourke said. “That responsibility demands the action taken today in the best interests of thoroughbred racing.”
Baffert had not committed to entering any horses in the third leg of the Triple Crown but had many in consideration for other races on Belmont Stakes day.
Trainer Bob Baffert has been temporarily suspended from entering horses at Belmont Park, the New York Racing Association announced.
The decision means controversial Derby champ Medina Spirit will not run in the Belmont Stakes. https://t.co/CbyzW0icjV
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 17, 2021
The NYRA has temporarily suspended trainer Bob Baffert from entering any horses in races at the track that is host to the Belmont Stakes in less than three weeks https://t.co/twvRDHy4oo
— CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) May 17, 2021