Louisville, Ky. – A county-court judge in Louisville, Kentucky, made a decision in favor of Churchill Downs Inc., denying Zedan Racing Stables a preliminary injunction that would have potentially allowed the Bob Baffert-trained colt Muth to participate in the upcoming Kentucky Derby 2024.
Judge Mitch Perry delivered the ruling, stating that the granting of injunctive relief was not justified as the balance of equities did not favor Zedan Racing Stables. This decision was made on Thursday in Jefferson County Circuit Court.
Following the ruling, Zedan Racing Stables announced their intention to challenge the decision, likely taking the case to the Kentucky Court of Appeals. They expressed their commitment to ensuring that their horse Muth has the opportunity to compete in the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby on May 4.
Despite the setback, Zedan Racing Stables achieved a minor victory when Judge Perry rejected Churchill Downs’ request to dismiss the case under the state’s anti-frivolous lawsuit law. Perry found a part of the law unconstitutional, allowing the suit to move forward.
The core dispute centered around Churchill Downs’ extended ban on trainer Bob Baffert, which was set to last until the end of 2024. Zedan Racing Stables had acquired Muth and other horses under the belief that Baffert’s suspension would end in the summer of 2021.
In his ruling, Judge Perry raised questions about the viability of Zedan Racing Stables’ claim, highlighting the uncertainty regarding Churchill Downs’ statements about Baffert’s reinstatement for the 2024 Kentucky Derby.
Acknowledging the significance of the Kentucky Derby as a premier sporting event, Judge Perry emphasized the importance of upholding rules and regulations to maintain public trust and confidence in the integrity of the races held at Churchill Downs.
Moreover, Perry expressed concerns about the potential impact of allowing Muth to compete in a race with a 20-horse limit, emphasizing the challenges faced by innocent third parties if injunctive relief were granted.
The legal battle between Zedan Racing Stables and Churchill Downs reflects a broader dispute over regulatory compliance, fairness, and integrity within the competitive world of horse racing. Despite the court’s ruling, the controversy surrounding Muth’s eligibility continues to captivate both industry insiders and spectators eagerly awaiting the outcome of this high-stakes legal showdown.