In a recent development, a judge in Louisville, Kentucky, has denied owner Amr Zedan's request for a temporary injunction that would have allowed Arkansas Derby (G1) winner Muth to compete in the Kentucky Derby (G1) field. Muth is trained by the renowned Bob Baffert, who remains barred from entering and racing horses at tracks owned by Churchill Downs Inc. (CDI).

Bob Baffert's suspension initially came about as a result of his horse, Medina Spirit, testing positive for betamethasone after winning the 2021 Kentucky Derby. The disqualification of Medina Spirit led to an extension of Baffert's suspension by CDI. Amr Zedan, the owner of Medina Spirit, had hoped that the ban would expire, allowing one of his horses, Muth, to participate in the 150th Run for the Roses on May 4.

Zedan's attorney argued for a temporary injunction based on the principle of promissory estoppel, claiming that CDI had led them to believe that if Baffert had no further violations, their horses would be able to compete. However, Jefferson Circuit Judge Mitch Perry ruled against Zedan's motion for a temporary injunction.

"We are disappointed in the court's decision on our request for temporary relief, as we believe the court did not recognize the significant investment Zedan Racing has made," stated a spokesperson on behalf of Zedan. The ruling can be appealed to the Kentucky Court of Appeals, and Zedan intends to pursue this avenue on an emergency basis.

Perry's ruling expressed doubts about Zedan's standing to challenge CDI's ban on behalf of Baffert but proceeded to consider the substance of the case. Perry stated that the element of irreparable injury was "neutral at best," highlighting Zedan's past practice of transferring horses with Derby potential out of Baffert's stable to other trainers and their knowledge of the ban extension since July 2023.

Regarding the balance of equities, Perry argued that granting injunctive relief would severely prejudice CDI, which is entrusted with ensuring the integrity of racing and maintaining public trust. He also expressed concern for innocent third parties who may have their horses removed from the Derby field to make room for Zedan's horse if the injunction were granted.

Perry found that Zedan's case failed to demonstrate a substantial question on the merits, leading to a neutral assessment on this aspect as well. Additionally, Perry denied CDI's motion to dismiss Zedan's case based on the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act, ruling that it did not apply to the situation at hand.

In response to the court's decision, CDI released a statement expressing satisfaction with the ruling and implying that Zedan may be influenced by "Derby Fever." CDI underscored that the rules of entry for the Kentucky Derby are the same for everyone and are non-negotiable, emphasizing that contenders cannot sue their way into the race.

While the court's decision may be disappointing for Amr Zedan and Bob Baffert, the Kentucky Derby will proceed without Muth's participation unless an appeal to the Kentucky Court of Appeals yields a different outcome.