Tag: Top News

Baffert’s Ownership Group Clarifies Move of Horses

SF Bloodstock's Tom Ryan, representing the ownership group which moved four top three-year-olds to other barns last week, posted a statement on Twitter Friday night clarifying the impetus of the move.

“In light of recent commentary, our ownership group wishes to clear up a couple of misconceptions that have arisen about the transfer of our potential Derby horses to Rodolphe Brisset and Tim Yakteen,” Ryan wrote. “The owners alone made this decision, and they did so in order to give the horses the opportunity they deserve to compete in this year's Kentucky Derby. There has been some suggestion that Bob Baffert might obtain a financial benefit from the transfer of these horses and that he may somehow remain involved in their management. Both are incorrect. Bob has no financial or other interest in any of the horses, nor will he act in any direct or indirect advisory role for their training or racing while they are in the hands of other trainers. We understand the conditions Churchill Downs has established for the future accrual of Derby points and entry into the Derby and we intend to fully comply with them.”

'TDN Rising Star' Messier (Empire Maker), 'Rising Star' Doppelganger (Into Mischief) and McLaren Vale (Gun Runner) were sent to trainer Tim Yakteen, and will remain in Southern California. Blackadder (Quality Road) has been sent to the barn of Rodolphe Brisset in Kentucky.

 

 

Under the suspension imposed upon Baffert by Churchill Downs, the four horses would not have been eligible to earn Kentucky Derby qualifying points or to race in the Derby had they remained with Baffert.

All four are owned in partnership by the conglomerate nicknamed The Avengers, which includes SF Bloodstock, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables et al. Doppelganger is scheduled to run in Saturday's GI Arkansas Derby, while Messier and McLaren Vale are expected to run in the Apr. 9 GI Santa Anita Derby.

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TOC President Greg Avioli Resigns

Greg Avioli resigned his position as President and Chief Executive Officer of Thoroughbred Owners of California, effective Apr. 1. According to a TOC release Friday, he will pursue other interests and ventures. Avioli joined the Toc in 2016.

“TOC appreciates the contributions he has made to the organization and to the California Thoroughbred community as a whole and wishes him well in his future endeavors,” read a TOC statement Friday. “TOC is focused on the continued success of the organization and has already begun the search for a new President and CEO.  We are confident that the candidate chosen to fill this role will bring continued success to the organization and will continue to advance the best interests of its members and the sport.”

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HISA: FTC Approves Rules, Distribution of Cost

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has approved the proposed Enforcement and Methodology Assessment Rules in addition to the distribution of the 2022 cost assessments to state racing commissions, according to the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) Friday. The effective date for the start of the Racetrack Safety Program is July 1.

“These developments bring us closer to fulfilling our mandate to protect the wellbeing of both horse and rider through uniform rules and accreditation standards,” said HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus. “The Racetrack Safety Program will expand veterinary oversight, impose surface maintenance and testing requirements, enhance jockey safety and implement voided claim rules, among other important measures that will go into effect on July 1.”

The Enforcement Rule (8000 Series) describes a range of violations and civil sanctions, establishes procedures for disciplinary and racetrack accreditation hearings, and grants the Authority investigatory powers.

The annual assessments were determined by the FTC approved Methodology Assessment Rule (8500 Series), outlining a process that aims to ensure fairness and equity across Thoroughbred racing jurisdictions.

The cost calculations represent each state's proportionate share of HISA's 2022 budget as required under the Act. Under the rule, HISA calculated 50% of each state racing commission's cost according to the total number of starts in covered races and the remaining half based on starts weighted for purses in covered races.

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Baffert, Zedan’s Motion for Emergency Stay Denied

Bob Baffert and Zedan Racing Stables' motion to stay Bob Baffert's suspension has been denied in Kentucky's Court of Appeals. The decision was filed Friday afternoon and signed by Allison Jones, Acting Chief Judge.

In accordance with the California Horse Racing Board regulations, signage was being removed from his barn at Santa Anita on Friday afternoon, and his suspension is scheduled to start Monday, Apr. 4.

“Tthe motion for emergency relief under CR 65 07(6) is DENIED,” writes Jones in her opinion. “The Court emphasizes that it makes no determination of the merits of Baffert's contentions of error The underlying motions for interlocutory relief along with any additional, dispositive motions shall be assigned to a three-Judge panel of this Court following expiration of the response time prov1ded in the Civil Rules.”

“In his Amended Complaint,” the document says, “Baffert asserted two causes of action against the Racing Commission; (1) an appeal of the Racing Commission's ruling denying him a stay pursuant to KRS 230 320(2)(f), and (2) a claim for injunctive relief pursuant to CR 65 04. Having carefully reviewed the record in conjunction with the applicable statutes and regulations, the Court concludes that the statutory right to appeal to circuit court pursuant to KRS 230 320(2)(f) provides an adequate remedy at law, such that equitable forms of relief, including the requested 1 7 emergency stay, are presently unavailable. There can be no irreparable injury where, as here, the General Assembly has provided adequate administrative remedies.”

This story will be updated.

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