Judge O. Peter Sherwood issues hearing report in NYRA v. Bob Baffert

by NYRA Press Office

In accordance with the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) Hearing Rules and Procedures, and in his role as designated hearing officer, Judge O. Peter Sherwood has issued a report containing findings of fact, conclusions and a recommended disposition of the administrative matter brought by NYRA against trainer Bob Baffert. 

The complete 50-page hearing report: https://bit.ly/39mOXyn 

In September 2021, NYRA delivered a statement of charges to Mr. Baffert alleging that he had engaged in conduct detrimental to the best interests of the sport of thoroughbred racing or potentially injurious to the health or safety of horses or riders. Further, as detailed in the statement of charges, NYRA charged that the conduct warrants revocation or suspension of Baffert’s right to train horses, enter races, or engage in any racing-related activity at all NYRA properties including Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course.

NYRA established Hearing Rules and Procedures to provide a formalized mechanism for a respondent to reply to charges and to participate in a hearing in accordance with due process rights. 

The NYRA hearing rules and procedures: https://bit.ly/3BWLcsu 

The NYRA administrative hearing in the matter of Mr. Baffert commenced on Monday, January 24 and concluded on Friday, January 28. Judge Sherwood, a retired New York State Supreme Court Justice, served as hearing officer to ensure the proceedings were fairly and impartially conducted in accordance with NYRA’s Hearing Rules and Procedures. 

As detailed in the NYRA Hearing Rules and Procedures, the report has been delivered to a three-member panel for consideration and a final determination.