federal judge

A federal judge in Kentucky has dismissed the class-action lawsuit against trainer Bob Baffert and Churchill Downs, Inc. (CDI), that was initiated by a group of horseplayers who alleged negligence, breach of contract, and unjust enrichment because their losing pari-mutuel bets on the 2021 GI Kentucky Derby weren't honored as winners after Medina Spirit (Protonico) tested positive for and was subsequently disqualified for a betamethasone overage. The July 20 order tossing the case out of United States District Court, Western District of Kentucky (Louisville Division), could have ramifications on a...

1st-Churchill Downs, $95,885, Alw (NW1X)/Opt. Clm ($100,000), 5-6, 3yo, 6 1/2f, 1:16.08, ft, 1 length. FEDERAL JUDGE (c, 3, Army Mule--Congarette, by Congaree) impressed in his unveiling over a quick six furlongs at Oaklawn Apr. 1, nearly going gate-to-wire in route to a 4 1/2-length win and a 97 Beyer Speed Figure. The narrow 8-5 favorite over returning 'TDN Rising Star' Extra Anejo (Into Mischief), the bay sat just off early pacesetter Olazabal (Bolt d'Oro) through a quick opening quarter in :22.09 before pouncing between rivals to take command into...

Angel of Empire (Classic Empire) and Wet Paint (Blame) weren't the only 3-year-olds to impress on Oaklawn Park's loaded GI Arkansas Derby program. WinStar Farm and Siena Farm's Federal Judge (c, 3, Army Mule--Congarette, by Congaree) announced his presence with authority on the undercard, kicking off his career for trainer Rodolphe Brisset with a razor sharp, front-running performance, good for a flashy 97 Beyer Speed Figure. He broke sharply from post five beneath Ricardo Santana, Jr. and quickly cleared his six rivals, including a trio of older horses, at debut...

Trainer Bob Baffert now wants the federal judge handling his year-old lawsuit against Churchill Downs, Inc. (CDI), to recuse herself. The stated reason is that legislative lobbying efforts conducted by the judge's husband for two racing industry clients allegedly create a conflict of interest for Judge Rebecca Jennings in adjudicating Baffert's case. Baffert is attempting to reverse the second year of a two-year ban by CDI that prohibits his trainees from accruing qualifying points and competing in the 2023 GI Kentucky Derby. CDI first imposed that punishment in June 2021...