Скачать или смотреть Bob Baffert's Legal Showdown: Extortion Allegations and Racing's Iconic Trainer

Bob Baffert’s stature in American horse racing is monumental. Over the years, he has graced Del Mar with his presence, an Arizona native whose primary residence is now in the Los Angeles area. His legacy is marked by exceptional achievements, including training American Pharoah, the first horse in 37 years to secure the coveted Triple Crown, encompassing the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes, in 2015. Baffert also achieved this Triple Crown feat with Justify in 2018. Overall, Baffert-trained horses have triumphed in six Kentucky Derbies, eight Preakness Stakes, and three Belmont Stakes. This summer at Del Mar, his Arabian Knight claimed the prestigious $1 million Pacific Classic, a high point in the track’s summer season. Notably, Baffert boasts a remarkable seven Pacific Classic victories at Del Mar since 1991.

Nevertheless, the specter of the Medina Spirit doping scandal continues to loom. Churchill Downs, in a bid to protect the integrity of the sport, extended Baffert’s suspension through at least 2024, citing his dissemination of “false narratives” regarding the drug for which Medina Spirit tested positive.

Baffert’s lawsuit against Wunderler and DiCorcia asserts that these individuals led a baseless conspiracy alleging that Baffert resorted to horse “blood doping” with erythropoietin or ‘EPO.’ This practice, described in the suit as a “criminal felony offense,” would disqualify Baffert from horse training anywhere. Baffert steadfastly denies engaging in such practices, and public investigations have consistently found no evidence to support these allegations.

On the concluding day of the Del Mar season, September 10th, Baffert’s horses showcased their prowess by clinching first and second place in the Del Mar Futurity, earning their owners a substantial share of $240,000 from the $300,000 purse. Baffert’s illustrious career, marked by his 2009 induction into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, stands as a testament to his unparalleled success, with over 3,260 wins and earnings exceeding $338 million.

Story by Alex Riggins San Diego Union-Tribune: edited by Normalchaos

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