Churchill Downs lifts Baffert’s suspension

Churchill Downs has lifted Bob Baffert’s extended suspension, allowing the Hall of Fame trainer to return to racing with his horses at the historic track and partner facilities after a more than three-year suspension for a failed drug test by 2021 Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit. The surprise announcement came Friday after Baffert issued a statement accepting responsibility for Medina Spirit’s failed drug test after crossing the finish line at the 147th Kentucky Derby in May 2021, AP reports. Kentucky racing officials ultimately disqualified Medina Spirit, a colt who has since died, and Churchill Downs elevated runner-up Mandaloun to the Derby winner.

Churchill Downs said it was pleased that Baffert had accepted responsibility while serving the sentence and committed to compliance. “All parties agree that it is time to close this chapter and focus on the future. Baffert is welcome to return to any of CDI’s racetracks,” Churchill Downs CEO Bill Carstanjen said in a statement. The two-time Triple Crown-winning trainer frequently criticized the ban and had unsuccessfully sued Churchill Downs, which last year extended the ban through the end of 2024 due to subsequent criticism. Medina Spirit’s owner, Amr Zedan, had sued to end the trainer’s disciplinary action this spring in an effort to get his horse into the 150th Derby.

Baffert, 71, accepted responsibility and acknowledged that he paid a “very high price” when he took responsibility for the substances in the horses he trained, according to the AP. He also said he appreciated that the track and the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, which enforces the rules, felt it was necessary to protect the safety and integrity of horse racing and the reputation of the Kentucky Derby. “My family and I want to put this behind us and get back to doing what we love without any more distraction or negativity,” Baffert added. The suspension ultimately prevented a record-breaking sixth Kentucky Derby victory and damaged the reputation of a trainer considered the face of the sport.

(More stories by Bob Baffert.)