Churchill Downs revokes suspension of legendary horse trainer Bob Baffert

Hall of Fame horse trainer Bob Baffert returns to competition at Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby in Louisville.

The shocking announcement came after Baffert issued an apology earlier Friday and admitted responsibility for the now-deceased Medina Spirit failing a drug test following his victory in the 147th Kentucky Derby in May 2021. Following his Derby win, Medina tested positive for betamethasone, an anti-inflammatory steroid drug. Baffert denied ever intentionally doping his famous horse, saying instead that the banned drug unknowingly came from a topical ointment used to treat a skin condition.

Regardless, horse racing’s most famous trainer was banned for two years. This ban was extended in 2023 because Baffert publicly criticized his punishment. Until Baffert came clean out of the blue and owned up to his behavior in his statement yesterday.

“I accept responsibility for Medina Spirit’s positive test at the 2021 Kentucky Derby. I am responsible for any substances found on the horses I train and I have paid a very high price with a three-year suspension and the disqualification of Medina Spirit. I understand and appreciate that Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission have taken steps to enforce the rules they believe are necessary to protect the safety and integrity of horse racing and the reputation of the Kentucky Derby,” Baffert’s statement said.

CHURCHILL DOWNS ACCEPTS BOB BAFFERT’S APOLOGY

This apology was apparently sufficient for Churchill Downs, as the Kentucky Derby venue accepted Baffert’s admission of wrongdoing and decided to immediately retire him.

“All parties agree that it is time to close this chapter and focus on the future. Baffert is welcome to return to any of the CDI racetracks, including our flagship racetrack Churchill Downs, and we wish him and his connections the best of luck in their future competitive endeavors,” said Bill Carstanjen, CEO of Churchill Downs.

There is no doubt that Baffert paid a price for the situation with Medina Spirit. The horse’s disqualification from the 2021 Derby denied Baffert a record-breaking 7th Kentucky Derby win, damaged his reputation, and raised questions about some of his previous horses.

Although Baffert was suspended from Churchill Downs, he was allowed to enter his other horses in other races – including when his colt National Treasure won the Preakness last year.

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