BAFFERT’S GAMINE POSITIVE AGAIN

The filly Gamine, who tested positive for a banned substance in May, did so again in September after finishing third in the prestigious Kentucky Oaks, according to two people familiar with the results of the drug test who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the issue publicly.

Gamine is trained by Bob Baffert, a Hall of Famer who is one of the most decorated people in horse racing, but also one who has caught the attention of regulators over the years.

This was Baffert’s 28th drug violation, and his third in six months, according to public records compiled by the Association of Racetrack Commissioners International and the Thoroughbred Regulatory Rulings database maintained by the Jockey Club.

In a tweet sent Thursday, the Kentucky Public Protection Agency acknowledged that a sample had come back positive for a “Class C” violation from the horses tested on the Sept. 4 race card, which was highlighted by the Oaks, a race for 3-year-old fillies that is considered second in prestige in the state to the Kentucky Derby.

“The KHRC is following its regulatory process in conducting a follow-up investigation of this matter,” the tweet read, referring to the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. “Accordingly, the names involved will be released at the completion.”

Neither Baffert nor his lawyer, W. Craig Robertson, returned phone calls, texts or emails requesting comment to the New York Times.

The day after the Oaks, Baffert won his sixth Derby, with the colt Authentic, and tied Ben Jones for the most victories in the race’s history.

The Breeders’ Cup World Championships will be held Nov. 6 and 7 at Keeneland in Lexington, Ky. Gamine is considered one of the favorites to win the $1 million Filly & Mare Sprint race.