Equestrian has witnessed some of the greatest horse trainers who trained some of the best horses in the sport. One such name that stands out among this list of trainers is Bob Baffert. He has trained two triple crown winners, American Pharaoh (2015) and Justify (2018), and six of the horses trained by him have won the Kentucky Derby. Apart from this, his trained horses have eight Preakness Stakes, three Belmont Stakes, and three Kentucky Oaks on their names.

Despite having all these achievements to his name, Baffert is also one of the most controversial figures in equestrian arena. One of his trained horses, Medina Spirit, won the Kentucky Derby in 2021 but was stripped of the title after testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug. This also led to the suspension of Baffert by Churchill Downs Inc. and his license was also suspended. If this was not enough he was also sued by a group of people for who were claiming to have been defrauded by this hall of fame trainer. Now the court has concluded this case as the final decision has been made.

Court’s final decision on the equestrian lawsuit

As reported by Blood Horse, A group of bettors had filed a case against Bob Baffert and Churchill Downs Inc. for the disqualification of Medina Spirit. In the lawsuit, they claimed that they would have won a significant amount of money if Medina Spirit had not won the Derby. Nonetheless, his later disqualification by the stewards did not hamper the official payouts made after the conclusion of the race, and they didn’t include plaintiffs. Now the court has dismissed this lawsuit by the bettors and stated it as a ” dismissed as a matter of law.”

Judge David J. Hale dismissed the legal theories of recovery, which include negligence, breach of contract, violation of the Kentucky Consumer Protection Act, and unjust advantage. He ruled in favor of the defendants, dismissing the case in his order on July 20, stating that the claims just didn’t hold up under Kentucky law. Now, there are mild chances that there will be a further hearing in this case, as there is not much left for the bettors. This also marks a major breath of relief for Baffert, whose career is already surrounded by dark clouds.

How it all started

This case dates back to the year 2021, when $3,545,200 worth Median Spirit was tested positive for betamethasone with an amount of 21 pg/ml. It is generally given to cure joint pain and is an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid. But there are strict rules that say the drug cannot be used on the day of racing. Baffert, in his defense, stated that Medina Spirit was suffering from dermatitis, and henceforth, the medication given to him contained the drug.

Read More: “CDI Has Some B***”: $344,874,192 Worth Equestrian Trainer’s Suspension Extension Sparks Mixed Reaction, Leaving Fans Divided

Top Stories

Footage Surfaces of Puka Nacua’s Brother Samson Slapping Fan After Arrest for Allegedly Stealing Lakers’ Adou Thiero’s SUV

Footage Surfaces of Florida Police Arresting NASCAR Veteran Over Disturbing Public Misbehavior

Browns & Kevin Stefanski Sign Ousted Cowboys Player For Shedeur Sanders Before Week 16 Bills Game

“RIP”: Prayers Pour In as Tom Brady’s Raiders Struck by Tragedy

“Rest in Peace”: Prayers Pour In From Dan Marino as Dolphins Legend Mourns Tragedy in South Florida Football

“What Do You Come Back For?”: Tony Gonzalez’s Strong Retirement Message to Travis Kelce Amid Chiefs’ Rebuild

As a result, Medina Spirit and Bob Baffert had to face the consequences. Baffert was banned by Churchill Downs for two years. Medina Spirit also faced suspension by NYRA from participating in the Belmont Stakes. But the thoroughbred later passed away during a training session in December 2021. The court’s decision could prove to be a significant positive development in Baffert’s professional career over the past two years.

WATCH THIS STORY – As Kentucky Derby 2023 Nears, ‘Fear and Pain’ of Horses Come to Light