Then we won't miss him will we?  Like you say, he only ships in to pull down fat purses.  I think the sport would be far better off with Baffert out of it, but that's just me.  

Edited to add:  I agree with your central point about NYRA requiring improved product.  Wholeheartedy.

Why bother having rules when they can't be enforced?  

https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/253454/baffert-hearing-could-lead-to-contempt-charge-for-nyra

Or, they could put Baffert's lawyers in charge of the rules.  {smirk}

Rule 1. - Even when he's guilty, Beta Bob is innocent.

Rule 2. - See rule 1.

I rest my case, your honor.

Well said. Deck is pretty well stacked.

Soap operas like this don't do US racing any good, just like having a horse test positive for a banned substance in the Kentucky Derby doesn't do racing any good, either.

So next time a Baffert horse wins a stakes race, how many split samples do they need?  I'd say at least 4.

Samples 1 and 2 so that if #1 is positive the state's lab can test #2 to make sure it's the same.  If both are positive:

Sample 3 goes to Baffert's lawyers so they can come up with their own rigged test.

Sample 4 goes to the IOC or FEI or some other international organization, independent of the racing industry (preferably not in North America), so they can test it.

Oh yes, the above isn't just urine.  Also take blood, saliva, and hair samples (4 each).  

Excellent post, Tex.  I bow north.  :-}

Maybe some progress....

https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/NYRA-can-start-process-to-suspend-Bob-Baffert-16510846.php

One step better for NYRA than nothing, so far.  As you say, it's possible there will be consequences for the ever slick Beta Bob.

If he can beat this through the courts that sends a bad message to all the cheaters that they should carry on. 

Imagine how much worse steroid use in the Olympics would be if athletes (or their national Olympic associations) can just get their lawyers to overturn positive drug tests at will.