Top trainer Bob Baffert denies wrongdoing after 15-day ban for failed drug tests

Bob Baffert, the biggest name in American training, is facing a 15-day ban after two of his horses failed post-race drugs tests at Oaklawn Park in Arkansas in May – although the Hall of Famer has denied any wrongdoing.

At a hearing this week, stewards called for Baffert's suspension to start on August 1 and Charlatan, who won a division of the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby, and Gamine, successful in a minor race on the card, to be disqualified with prize-money redistributed to horses behind them.

According to reports, the stewards noted the pair tested positive for the anaesthetic lidocaine, which can help horses following colic surgery.

The medication is permitted in the sport, but has a withdrawal period of 72 hours before raceday and an attorney for Baffert said an appeal would be made, insisting the presence of lidocaine was caused by contamination transferred from a groom wearing a pain-relief patch and had "zero" performance-enhancing effects.

"We are very disappointed in the stewards' ruling and we will exercise our right to appeal," Craig Robertson III said.

"In this instance, we presented a compelling case of mitigating circumstances, including the following undisputed facts; This is a case of innocent exposure and not intentional administration. The trace levels of lidocaine found in both Charlatan and Gamine would have had no pharmacological effect, much less a performance-enhancing one, on either horse. Zero.

"As such, a suspension of Mr Baffert and a disqualification of either horse is completely unwarranted. We will pursue our legal rights until justice is obtained."

In a video call with sports broadcaster Fred Cowgill, Baffert, who saddled American Pharoah and Justify to Triple Crown glory in recent years, added: "All I can do is tell the truth and people can be their own judge, but it was innocent and it's too bad because those horses ran incredible races.

"I am a big name in racing and try to be as careful as possible, but it was an innocent mistake, unfortunately and we'll appeal and everyone will see what happened."

Arguably US racing's most famous figure, the California-based Baffert has compiled a remarkable CV, winning five Kentucky Derbys, the Preakness seven times and three Belmont Stakes.

He has also captured the Breeders' Cup Classic and Dubai World Cup three times apiece.

However, the exploits of Justify, his Triple Crown hero in 2018, have since been tainted after it emerged last year he had tested positive for a banned substance before his Kentucky Derby triumph and it has not been an easy year for Baffert, who had to retire exciting three-year-old and Classic hope Nadal because of injury in May, while Charlatan is also on the sidelines with an ankle problem.

Read more:

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