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‘Reckless Practices,’ ‘Repeated Failures’: Churchill Downs Suspends Bob Baffert For Two Years

Churchill Downs Incorporated (“CDI”) announced Wednesday the suspension of Bob Baffert for two years effective immediately through the conclusion of the 2023 Spring Meet at Churchill Downs Racetrack. The suspension prohibits Baffert, or any trainer directly or indirectly employed by Bob Baffert Racing Stables, from entering horses in races or applying for stall occupancy at all CDI-owned racetracks.

This decision follows the confirmation by attorneys representing Bob Baffert of the presence of betamethasone, a prohibited race-day substance, in Medina Spirit's bloodstream on the day of the 147th running of the Kentucky Derby in violation of the Commonwealth of Kentucky's equine medication protocols and CDI's terms and conditions for racing.

“CDI has consistently advocated for strict medication regulations so that we can confidently ensure that horses are fit to race and the races are conducted fairly,” said Bill Carstanjen, CEO of CDI. “Reckless practices and substance violations that jeopardize the safety of our equine and human athletes or compromise the integrity of our sport are not acceptable and as a company we must take measures to demonstrate that they will not be tolerated. Mr. Baffert's record of testing failures threatens public confidence in Thoroughbred racing and the reputation of the Kentucky Derby. Given these repeated failures over the last year, including the increasingly extraordinary explanations, we firmly believe that asserting our rights to impose these measures is our duty and responsibility.”

CDI reserves the right to extend Baffert's suspension if there are additional violations in any racing jurisdiction.

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (“KHRC”) has the sole authority to disqualify Medina Spirt as the winner of Kentucky Derby 147. It is the understanding of CDI that the KHRC is pursuing the completion of its investigation of this matter in accordance with its rules and regulations.

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Letter To The Editor: Banding Together To Save Arlington Park

What if?

Literally millions of horseplayers, owners, breeders, fans, trainers, jockeys, and associated personnel believe that losing Arlington Park would be a grave loss for the sport.

So, I would propose that we millions of horse people band together and save the historic racetrack near Chicago.

The reader is probably asking where we lovers of Arlington Park and of racing would find the money to purchase the property from Churchill Downs Inc.

Looking at the popularity and success of the MyRacehorse group financing model, where very large numbers of people contribute small sums, it may be possible to attract a large group of fellow good sports to band together and collectively put up the financing for a purchase. For instance, if two million fans contributed $100 each, that would raise $200 million toward buying and running the track. And of course, fewer contributors are needed if a number of deep pockets show up. Surely, that would get the attention of the parent company.

If there are as many fans of Arlington Park and sport in Chicago as I believe, then I suggest an “Arlington Alliance” should be able to raise enough to purchase and operate the racetrack.

The first step would be to create an organization to accept those small-percentage investments and contributions, manage the flow of money, and to name a group of directors so that the Arlington Alliance could make a formal offer for the racetrack.

Once successful in the purchase, the Arlington Alliance would need to be organized and ready to reach agreements with horsemen's and labor associations and work toward a sustainable model for operating racing so that it would provide quality sport with a robust level of purses.

If successfully recast in a fashion similar to the Keeneland Association, the Arlington Alliance could ensure quality racing in Chicago, while also benefitting the town of Arlington Heights and neighborhoods by preserving jobs and participating in community programs. An Arlington Park that is as committed to its city and neighbors as they were to its survival would make racing an integral part of the fabric of this great city for decades to come.

– Frank Mitchell, pedigree analyst, author and consultant

If you would like to submit a letter to the editor, please write to info at paulickreport.com and include contact information where you may be reached if editorial staff have any questions.

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Churchill Downs Inc. Names Katherine Armstrong VP Of Culture

Churchill Downs Incorporated announced on Thursday that Katherine Armstrong has been hired as the company's vice president of culture (diversity, equity and inclusion) . The new role will report directly to Bill Carstanjen, chief executive officer of CDI.

As the vice president of culture, Armstrong will be part of the senior leadership team of CDI and will lead the company's efforts to expand its strategic vision as part of the core mission and values to systemically advance a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion. Armstrong will develop and drive diversity initiatives and create opportunities to share best practices across the business segments.

“Katherine brings a deep understanding of advancing company culture and diversity, equity and inclusion to this role,” said Carstanjen. “She is an experienced, proactive and strategic advocate, partner and leader, who has developed constructive relationships and supported strong cultural initiatives in her previous roles.”

Prior to this role, Armstrong was the founder and president of Success Track LLC, a strategic advisory and training group with an emphasis on culture transformation, DE&I strategy, HR analytics and leadership coaching. She also served in several significant roles with Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc., Hyatt Hotels Corporation, PNC Financial and Ameristar Casino in Vicksburg, Miss.

“I am honored and excited to lead the advancement of the culture at CDI,” said Armstrong. “This is a pivotal time in the company's growth and I am humbled to be part of the senior leadership team that will work together to shape the diversity, equity and inclusion of this great organization in the future.”

Armstrong holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from Jackson State University.

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Arlington Heights Trustees May Place Restrictions On Arlington Park Land Use

Trustees of the village of Arlington Heights, Ill., will address the future of Arlington Park racetrack and consider placing restrictions on the property's use during a regularly scheduled virtual meeting at 7:30 p.m. CT Monday night. (To participate/view the meeting, click here for instructions.)

Churchill Downs Inc., the publicly held company that owns the track, announced in February that the 326 acres on which the racetrack sits will be offered for sale but that the company may pursue using the racing license elsewhere in the state. CDI officials stunned the racing community in 2019 when they announced, following passage of legislation that would permit casinos at racetracks, that Arlington would not seek a casino license – something they had lobbied for alongside horsemen for decades. While officials cited dissatisfaction with the law's tax structure, it is widely believed that CDI did not want an Arlington casino to compete with the nearby Rivers Casino, of which the company is majority owner.

Item XIII on the meeting's agenda has two items listed under “legal”: a resolution regarding zoning regulations for the racetrack property, and an ordinance amending “negative use restrictions” that would seek to prohibit CDI from selling the property with usage restrictions (i.e., no horse racing or gambling) that run contrary to the village's public policy. The ordinance is designed to “preserve all options for the property whether it includes complete redevelopment through a long-term master plan or continued use as a horse racing facility with additional redevelopment,” according to a report from the village's planning and legal staff.

“We are planning to take some proactive steps to ensure that any future plans discussed for Arlington Racetrack meet the desired land uses the village would like to see on this significant parcel, and that the door to continued horse racing at the track remains open,” Arlington Heights Mayor Tom Hayes said in a statement reported in the Arlington Daily Herald.

The Daily Herald reports that Mike Campbell – president of the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association – and perennial leading trainer Larry Rivelli are working separately with potential investors to buy the property and continue racing.

Hayes told the Daily Herald that continuation of live racing and a new stadium for the NFL's Chicago Bears are two possibilities for the site.

The village's planning and legal staff recommends passage of a resolution regarding zoning regulations that would put “prospective purchasers and the public on notice that the village intends to make changes to the zoning, subdivision code or other regulations. The resolution states the fact that the village is considering making changes to the zoning ordinance to restrict certain uses and establish other development standards that would be applicable to Arlington International property.”

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