Kentucky judge rejects Bob Baffert stay but delays suspension to April 4

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A Kentucky judge has denied Bob Baffert’s request to stay his 90-day suspension but delayed it until April 4 to allow his representatives to seek emergency relief through the state's Court of Appeals.

Kentucky Horse Racing Commission stewards last month suspended Baffert for 90 days, fining him $7,500, and disqualified Medina Spirit for having the corticosteroid betamethasone in his system when he won the Kentucky Derby last year. Baffert’s appeal to racing officials was denied, but the suspension that was scheduled to begin March 8 was delayed pending a court hearing.

Franklin Circuit Judge Thomas Wingate said Monday that "the court understands the gravity of this ruling" on Baffert and will alleviate the impact by staying implementation of the suspension. He added, "However, absent relief from a reviewing court, the penalties imposed by Stewards Rulings 21-0009 and 21-0010 shall take effect on April 4, 2022."

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Trainer Bob Baffert wins his 7th Kentucky Derby after winning the 147th Running of the Kentucky Derby on May 1, 2021 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. (Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Baffert attorney Clark Brewster in a statement expressed disappointment in the court's decision and said, "Given the importance of the matter, we intend to immediately appeal to the Kentucky Court of Appeals."

Attorneys for Baffert have argued that the betamethasone in Medina Spirit’s system came from a topical ointment, rather than an injection, which is banned. Racing officials have said no matter the source, betamethasone is not allowed on race day.

If upheld, the