2025 hasn’t been all that bountiful for Bob Baffert so far. Despite being the winnigest Triple Crown trainer, the Hall of Famer couldn’t find his place in the winner’s circle in all three jewels of the competition this year. However, with the Breeders’ Cup coming up, the 72-year-old hoped to make the most out of the Travers Stakes, slated for later this month. However, even that goal looks to have suffered a mishap.
Just days ago, Baffert finally broke his losing streak by winning the San Diego Handicap and a couple of races at Del Mar. Undoubtedly, a big break before the dual challenge that’s coming up for the seasoned trainer. But Baffert’s glee just received a major point of concern as the jockey, upon whose shoulders the trainer was hoping to rest his Breeders’ Cup and Travers Stakes chances, was recently penalized.
An article by Blood Horse from August 4 shared how celebrity French jockey, Flavien Prat, was under fire over a recent race. On Monday, the 2019 Kentucky Derby winning Prat was handed a 3-day suspension for Zulu Kingdom’s infractions during the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame Stakes (Grade 2) on August 1.
The 3-yar-old Irish thoroughbred crossed the finishing line in fourth place, but “the stewards ruled that Zulu Kingdom interfered in the first turn that caused Tiz Dashing to bump Luther, who was inside of him, forcing him into the rail.” Luther finished the race 1 1/2 lengths behind Zulu Kingdom, which prompted the former’s jockey, Joel Rosario, to raise an objection, that ultimately resulted in the Bob Baffert-trained horse to be disqualified and placed fourth in the race which had 6 competitors.
The story is developing
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