LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A judge ruled Zedan Racing Stables and its trainer Bob Baffert will not get to compete in this year's Kentucky Derby 150.
Baffert was banned from competing at the track after one of his horses failed a drug test.
Earlier this month, his horse Muth won the Arkansas Derby. However, because of the ban, Muth didn't get the 100 points that normally would automatically qualify for the Kentucky Derby and Zedan sued Churchill Downs to try and get Muth into the field.
On Thursday, the judge in this case denied Zedan Racing Stables' motion for a temporary injunction for multiple reasons. The court said Zedan Racing Stables knew that a Baffert-trained horse would not be eligible to compete in the Derby and still went forward with Baffert as it's trainer.
The court also cited concerns about the innocent horses and trainers that would be removed from the Derby field this close to Derby Day had Muth been allowed to run.
Churchill Down issued a statement regarding the decision of Baffert saying:
"We are pleased with the Court’s decision today and believe Mr. Zedan may suffer from a case of “Derby Fever,” which is known to spread with exposure to horses and is contagious this time of year. Symptoms can contribute to questionable judgement and in extreme cases can result in litigious behavior. There is no known cure. Nevertheless, we have communicated clearly about the rules of entry, which are the same for everyone and are non-negotiable. Contenders cannot sue their way into the Kentucky Derby. We wish Mr. Zedan well in the future and appreciate both his passion for the sport and his desire to see his horses compete on the First Saturday in May."
Zedan Stables also released a statement saying:
“The court’s rejection of the defendant’s motion to dismiss affirms our view that it was nothing more than a transparent delay tactic aimed at ensuring its unjust ban remained in place for the 150th Kentucky Derby. We are pleased that the court denied that motion and turned to considering the merits of our temporary injunction motion to let one of the top-rated horses in the nation, Muth, run in the race.
We are disappointed in the court’s decision on our request for temporary relief, as we believe the court did not recognize the significant investment Zedan Racing has made, based on statements by Churchill Downs that if this trainer had no additional violations, Zedan Racing’s horses would be able to compete. We will appeal this ruling on an emergency basis as soon as possible. The goal of our effort remains to ensure our horse Muth will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compete in the 150th Run for the Roses on May 4th.”
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