Baffert Fined

Originally Posted by oracle80

They don't get it Tbred. The reason Cajun does is that shes seen similiar things with Nascar. They also are trying to play the pity party issue with teh security. What they don't realize is that on Derby Day they choose the head honchos to stand guard at the only two entrances to the paddock. These aren't pitiful guys. They are supposed to be the crackerjacks of the crew. And they certainly knew who Bob was. They said his guests couldnt pass, when the proper thing to do was to get on the walkie talkie pronto with head of security and tell em what was going on while placating Baffert and his guests with please just let me get approval.

Agreed. But how does ripping the badge off a security guard get this accomplished. Anger directed at the wrong party. Kick the cat cause you had a bad day, that'll solve it.

Originally Posted by pgardn

This is very interesting study in human behavior towards others.

It gives me a clue as to who would go ripping a waitresses arm off because the food was bad. Dont leave her a tip because the food stinks mentality.

Personal experience, but obviously not that of horseownership royalty:

I was given a pass to help out at high school graduation at the Alamodome. I forgot my pass. I was walking in with the principal and other teachers and was told by security I could go no further. I immediately realized that this guy must make sure I work for the school, otherwise I might go wandering around this huge place that gets packed with 60,000 people for conventions, and plant a bomb or something else. And that his job was to keep people out who do not belong. I walked all the way back to the car and got my pass and apologized upon my re-entry.
"No he is with us BS... forget it." I'll get my pass and make things easier on everybody. A little accomidation, a little humility goes a long way. I would think business people understand this. The tracks and some trainers think otherwise.

Good story. I forgot my pass at the Indy 500 in 1997. I wanted to get in a booth that is actually run by a business partner of mine. Well the guard wouldnt let me in. I said, I understand and had to have my wife drive the pass to me.

Out of curiosity--who would go ripping a waitress and who wouldnt (in your eyes)?

[Buffymommy]

Out of curiosity--who would go ripping a waitress and who wouldnt (in your eyes)?[/quote]


Don't go opening cans of worms guys....

Originally Posted by eurobounce

Good story. I forgot my pass at the Indy 500 in 1997. I wanted to get in a booth that is actually run by a business partner of mine. Well the guard wouldnt let me in. I said, I understand and had to have my wife drive the pass to me.

Out of curiosity--who would go ripping a waitress and who wouldnt (in your eyes)?

I think that has been made abundantly clear when you read these posts.

Originally Posted by pgardn

Agreed. But how does ripping the badge off a security guard get this accomplished. Anger directed at the wrong party. Kick the cat cause you had a bad day, that'll solve it.

Yeah Baffert made thinhs better that is for sure. You also have to take into account the mentality of the security guards. These were ex - State Troopers, who prob ex-military and they are used to doing exactly what they are told. There is no grey to these guys. It is black and white. Plus they have a good gig going here. I am sure they arent going to do anything to jeopardize it.

Originally Posted by Buffymommy

Out of curiosity--who would go ripping a waitress and who wouldnt (in your eyes)?

Don't go opening cans of worms guys....[/quote]

LOL--you are so correct.

[Scurlogue Champ]

It seems that this is just a case of feelings of entitlement versus the "right thing to do."

I'm more on Pgardn and Euro's side here. The security people are there to do a job, and I doubt that the people that outlined their job detail to them made sure to say...."Oh, by the way. If Bob Baffert or D. Wayne Lukas want something, make sure and give it to them..they are soooooo special."

It all comes down to manners to me, some people are rude and some aren't. Just the way the world works.

Originally Posted by moodwalker

It seems that this is just a case of feelings of entitlement versus the "right thing to do."

I'm more on Pgardn and Euro's side here. The security people are there to do a job, and I doubt that the people that outlined their job detail to them made sure to say...."Oh, by the way. If Bob Baffert or D. Wayne Lukas want something, make sure and give it to them..they are soooooo special."

It all comes down to manners to me, some people are rude and some aren't. Just the way the world works.

None of us saw the incident so it is hard to say what the tone was. But if Baffert wanted to get a person in, and the security guard had access to communications with his boss, it seems quite easy to just ask if he would kindly call his boss so they might get in. He probably was a bit on edge having to play the game with all the "dignitaries" and at the same time having to attend to the biggest race of the year.
And part of his job as a trainer is to suck up to people who know people with money. Client flow. Maybe he needed to be a jerk in that situation in the eyes of those around him... had to play rough. I dont know. Just glad I dont have to play silly dignitary games.

[Thoroughbred Fan]

Thanks for agreeing Oracle. It is very stressful having a single horse in a MCL let alone the Derby with three.

The trainer needs to worry about how the horses shipped, making sure the groom or some other security is at the stall at all times, how hot it is in the recieving barn, and a thousand other things on top of managing the actual clients. Only people in that position can possibly know. Even as the purchaser of a horse you get wound up/frazzled when the horse runs. And that is all before the gate opens. Then the trainer needs to try to watch three horses run and worry about injury and a thousand other details so he can explain to the owners who aren't really "watching " the race what has happend and get ready to talk to each jockey.

Crazy day for sure!

[Downthestretch55]

This thread will not die.
I just have to say that cops are consumed with their feeling of importance (read:control).
No matter what else is really going on...there are rules to follow, and that's "my job". I will do my job at all costs, because that's how I maintain my position of importance. I am in control. Nothing else matters.
Arrogant sons of beeches.

[kentuckyrosesinmay]

It should be their job to kiss Bob Baffert's ass. We aren't talking about a little time trainer here. We are talking about a guy who contributes millions of dollars to the horse racing world every year! Churchill Downs is a huge problem in the horse racing world if they can't even make a big trainers life a little easier on such a hectic day as the Derby.

I would have done exactly what Baffert did....got frustrated. I probably wouldn't have ripped the badge off though. I know how ex cops can be, especially state troopers. They are the worse! My father was a cop before he became an anesthesiologist. The security guards were probably more arrogant than Baffert was. They must have done something to have pissed Baffert off. There are usually two sides to every story. However, when you are dealing with law enforcement officers, and you do something that may seem the least bit wrong, you don't have any choice but to apologize even if the law enforcement officers were in the wrong too. Also, unfortunately, most people always take the law officer's side to the story no matter what really did happen. It is an unfair fact of life.

Also, let me tell you a little secret in with the media concerning criminal cases/acts. They always tell you everything that the other guy did wrong, but never anything the law enforcement officers do wrong. You would be very surprised how often law enforcement officers screw up. I love the law, and I love cops in general. However, you must realize that some are real a s s h o l e s (just like non-LE people) and that they are humans that make mistakes too. Like I said, there are two sides to every story, and we don't have Baffert's side.

[Cajungator26]

Originally Posted by kentuckyrosesinmay

It should be their job to kiss Bob Baffert's ass. We aren't talking about a little time trainer here. We are talking about a guy who contributes millions of dollars to the horse racing world every year! Churchill Downs is a huge problem in the horse racing world if they can't even make a big trainers life a little easier on such a hectic day as the Derby.

I would have done exactly what Baffert did....got frustrated. I probably wouldn't have ripped the badge off though. I know how ex cops can be, especially state troopers. They are the worse! My father was a cop before he became an anesthesiologist. The security guards were probably more arrogant than Baffert was. They must have done something to have pissed Baffert off. There are usually two sides to every story. However, when you are dealing with law enforcement officers, and you do something that may seem the least bit wrong, you don't have any choice but to apologize even if the law enforcement officers were in the wrong too. Also, unfortunately, most people always take the law officer's side to the story no matter what really did happen. It is an unfair fact of life.

VERY true, and if that isn't enough, just ask Kurt Busch. LOL

Originally Posted by eurobounce

Not an A track but has the A race of the world. That pretty much trumps anything else. Baffert doesnt run many there and I wish he would. But he wants the one thing each year and that is the Derby. My opinion of every track is high. I love all tracks. And I think they have rules in place for the better of the track and its patrons. Everyone knows that the situation could have been handled better. Everyone has had this issue but we go ripping and yelling at someone. Plus, why does Bode need to be in the paddock anyway? I think the paddock should be for the owner(s), trainer and his/her assistants and that is all.

Well when you pay 40 grand to run a horse in a race the least they can do is let you bring a few folks with you to the paddock!! LOL!! Your understanding of people who get in the horse business is limited to say the least. They buy horses for the thrill and sport of it, if they wanted an "investment" they could buy Real Estate and actually make money instead of losing it, which most owners do in the business of tbreds. So you don't think owners should be able to bring guests huh? WOW!! Yeah thats right folks you dropped a half mill on the colt but your guests can walk in the paddock with you to see him saddled. Doesnt sound like a real bright idea to me.

Its pretty obvious to anyone with half a brain that Baffert wasnt the only one in error here. But i guess having half a brain isnt a requirement to post on a message board.
1) They only fined him 500 bucks. tell you what, if the guard hadnt acted improperly when this occurred in some fashion, the fine would have been very severe, maybe even a suspension.
2) Situations like this happen a lot at the track.Altercations between indivuals. You will note that in all of these situations the stewards rule immediately!!! This took place two months ago and they just put this out? Wanna know why? Cause they didnt want this coming out druing the Tri Crown and have all those reporters asking Baff what happened so he coudl tell them exactly what went down. They waited weeks(probably called bob and kissed his ass and apologized for what happened and said we just want this to go away) so that it would be a back page story.

Not hard to see that Baffert was in error for ripping off the badge. Also not hard to see that he never would have done this without provocation or arrogance on the guards part. He was definitely treated rude or provoked or the fine would be 10 grand along with a little suspension. Use your brains.

Originally Posted by oracle80

Well when you pay 40 grand to run a horse in a race the least they can do is let you bring a few folks with you to the paddock!! LOL!! Your understanding of people who get in the horse business is limited to say the least. They buy horses for the thrill and sport of it, if they wanted an "investment" they could buy Real Estate and actually make money instead of losing it, which most owners do in the business of tbreds. So you don't think owners should be able to bring guests huh? WOW!! Yeah thats right folks you dropped a half mill on the colt but your guests can walk in the paddock with you to see him saddled. Doesnt sound like a real bright idea to me.

Why do the folks need to be there? What do they add. Like you have said, the trainer is so busy he doesnt have time to get credetials then how is the trainer going to have time to tend to his/her guests? The guests should be put in the appropriate place--the trainers box to watch the race. But if I have a horse in the Derby and I am next to Baffert the last thing I want is Bode running around the paddock. He doesnt need to be there. I know what owners buy a horse--prob the same reason why I went in on one.

[ateamstupid]

Originally Posted by kentuckyrosesinmay

It should be their job to kiss Bob Baffert's ass. We aren't talking about a little time trainer here.

I dunno about that one. I think people kissing the ass of "celebrities" is what leads to that kind of behavior (tantrum throwing, ripping badges) in the first place..

You treat these people like they're larger than life, then don't complain when they start thinking it themselves.

I don't really blame Baffert, considering it was a heat of the moment thing, but I don't think the proper remedy is for everyone to kiss his ass and give him whatever he wants from now on.

Originally Posted by oracle80

Its pretty obvious to anyone with half a brain that Baffert wasnt the only one in error here. But i guess having half a brain isnt a requirement to post on a message board.
1) They only fined him 500 bucks. tell you what, if the guard hadnt acted improperly when this occurred in some fashion, the fine would have been very severe, maybe even a suspension.
2) Situations like this happen a lot at the track.Altercations between indivuals. You will note that in all of these situations the stewards rule immediately!!! This took place two months ago and they just put this out? Wanna know why? Cause they didnt want this coming out druing the Tri Crown and have all those reporters asking Baff what happened so he coudl tell them exactly what went down. They waited weeks(probably called bob and kissed his ass and apologized for what happened and said we just want this to go away) so that it would be a back page story.

Not hard to see that Baffert was in error for ripping off the badge. Also not hard to see that he never would have done this without provocation or arrogance on the guards part. He was definitely treated rude or provoked or the fine would be 10 grand along with a little suspension. Use your brains.

LOL@fined $10k. It doesnt warrant that much of a fine. I think the fine is stupid. No need to fine Baffert. What does that do--nothing. If Baffert didnt think he was wrong, then why is he calling them guards to apologize. I do think the TC had everything to do with when they released this.

Originally Posted by eurobounce

Why do the folks need to be there? What do they add. Like you have said, the trainer is so busy he doesnt have time to get credetials then how is the trainer going to have time to tend to his/her guests? The guests should be put in the appropriate place--the trainers box to watch the race. But if I have a horse in the Derby and I am next to Baffert the last thing I want is Bode running around the paddock. He doesnt need to be there. I know what owners buy a horse--prob the same reason why I went in on one.

Well you are definitely in the minority and have no idea how this game should be promoted. The more interaction that people have, the more who become interested in owners, which we severely need in this game. Have you ever read any interviews with owners? Do you know how many have described getting involved because they went to the track with another owner and loved the thrill of the paddock and the winners circle?
No way Euro, you are way off base on that one. Its a sporting event and properly behaved adults will not be "running around". I've been to the paddock at least 100 times in my life, mayeb more, and never ONCE have I seen a single person act improperly or spoken to by security. Never ONCE!!! I'd like to hear from people here as well. Has anyone ever seen misbehavior by a person in the paddock? Because I have never witnessed it and have always observed people just smiling, looking at the horses, and taking in all the sights. Do you honestly feel that these people pose a threat to anyone? You are trying to spin this way beyond reality and what it is. Owners have always brought guests to the paddock and its part of the pageantry and excitement of the game. You think when people tune in to big races that an empty paddock is a real turn on? Wow.

Euro maybe we should keep the fans away from the paddock as well huh? We can put up some barbed wire fences and have armed guards with machine guns on towers around it!!!
Quiet frankly i have never one time seen a person in the paddock do anything at all improper, never. I've seen fans spook a horse when they yell stupid things and even saw one rear when some guys up here at Saratoga decided to scream the horses name out when he entered the paddock. Have seen morons leaning on the paddock fence snap a picture with a flash that spooked em as well. But never saw anyone once in my life in the paddock do anything even remotely improper.
Please spare me the notion that having owners guests in the paddock is a grave threat. Its just not so, otherwise you could cite some incidents for me in which this caused a problem.

[Thoroughbred Fan]

What do they add? You obviously don't have any idea about the origin of horseracing. The horse represents the owner in the race. It is the owners right to accompany the horse in the paddock and be seen with his horse. Many owners are knowledgeable and like to see the condition of their horse prior to the race.

It has always been very enlightening to me to be in there and I would be very upset if anyone in my partnership were denied entrance.