Hearing Office Recommends Punishment For Bob Baffert
Bob Baffert’s future with the New York Racing Association remains up in the air. However, it’s becoming increasingly evident that he can face a stiff penalty for repeated medication violations.
On Wednesday, hearing officer O. Peter Sherwood recommended a two-year suspension for Baffert.
“NYRA met its burden with respect to all three of the charges against Baffert,” Sherwood wrote, via The Associated Press. “NYRA maintains (and the record shows) that Baffert has engaged in a pattern and practice of unlawful conduct that has no parallel in the modern history of thoroughbred racing.”
It’s important to note that Sherwood has not handed out a final decision. Baffert’s camp and the NYRA have two weeks to offer rebuttals before a panel decides his status.
The panel’s decision on Baffert cannot be appealed.
A former New York Supreme Court justice, acting as a hearing officer, says trainer Bob Baffert should be suspended from racing in the state for two years.https://t.co/tn80jcW5TX
— L.A. Times Sports (@latimessports) April 27, 2022
Until the panel finalizes its ruling, Baffert’s future at Belmont Park, Aqueduct and Saratoga Race Course remains a major question mark.
Baffert, 69, is already serving a 90-day suspension from the state of Kentucky for medication violations.
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