Horses trained by Bob Baffert will be subjected to additional drug testing and “increased veterinary and security checks” at this year's Breeders’ Cup on Nov. 5-6 at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in Southern California, the Breeders’ Cup said in a release Sunday. The decision to adopt the stricter protocols over a group of horses under a single trainer’s care was a response to a public outcry this year over Baffert’s acknowledgement that a horse he trains, Medina Spirit, tested positive for a regulated anti-inflammatory drug after winning the Kentucky Derby. The case has not yet been adjudicated. According to Breeders’ Cup, Baffert participated in a “special review” of the trainer’s ability to enter horses in the event, and the “board appreciated his participation and cooperation in connection with its inquiries,” the organization said in its release. The release said that Baffert has agreed to pay for the additional security measures and “to abide by each of these additional measures.” Breeders’ Cup has a rule on its books that allows the organization to ban trainers if they have had a “class 2, category A” drug offense in the preceding 12 months. The medication that Medina Sprit tested positive for, betamethasone, is in a much lower class -- class 4, category C -- and the organization’s legal footing to issue a ban without a clear violation of the rules was shaky. Still, Breeders’ Cup called for the review of the status of Baffert’s eligibility in the wake of two bans issued earlier this year, one by the owner of Churchill Downs, and one by the New York Racing Association, a quasi-state enterprise. Baffert has challenged the legality of the NYRA ban and has received a temporary stay of the penalty, while the Churchill ban has gone unchallenged in the courts. Breeders’ Cup said in its release that it regards participation in its races as “a privilege.” “The Breeders’ Cup expects Mr. Baffert’s complete cooperation in ensuring that every horse under his care is in full compliance with all medication restrictions and safety standards,” Breeders’ Cup said. Among the protocols in force for Baffert’s horses will be “increased randomized out-of-competition testing for all prohibited and restricted substances” and “additional tests administered the week” prior to the event, Breeders’ Cup said. This will be the second time this year that Baffert has faced enhanced security standards for his horses, at events where security and testing protocols are some of the strictest in the sport. Baffert was required to submit to additional protocols at this year’s Preakness, which Medina Spirit ran in as the second leg of the Triple Crown. :: Bet the races with confidence on DRF Bets. You're one click away from the only top-rated betting platform fully integrated with exclusive data, analytics, and expert picks.