LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Renowned horse trainer Bob Baffert has dropped his appeal relating to his horse's disqualification a few years ago.
According to a social media post, Baffert said he's instructed his attorneys to drop the appeal of Medina Spirit's disqualification from the 2021 Kentucky Derby.
He said himself and Amr Zedan "have decided that it is best to positively focus on the present and future that our great sport offers."
"We thank the [Kentucky Horse Racing Commission] and Churchill Downs for listening and considering our point of view and we are grateful for the changes and clarity that [Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority] brings to our sport," Baffert said.
Medina Spirit was disqualified by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission after he tested positive for betamethasone.
Baffert claimed the drug was in an ointment used to treat a skin condition and said it was such a small amount that it wouldn’t have changed the horse’s performance.
In a statement released in July 2023, Churchill Downs revealed his suspension will continue through 2024, making him ineligible for the 150th Kentucky Derby.
In a statement to WHAS11 News, a spokesperson for Churchill Downs said the dismissal "does not change the current suspension or deadline to transfer horses for the upcoming 150th Kentucky Derby."
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