Churchill Downs reinstates trainer Bob Baffert after suspension

It took three years to solve the problem, but now the country’s most famous trainer can finally compete in the most famous race in the world again.

The dispute, which cost many lawyers many billable hours, ended Friday when Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert accepted responsibility for Medina Spirit’s positive test after winning the 2021 Kentucky Derby and Churchill Downs lifted his suspension, allowing the six-time Derby winner to return to racing next year.

“I take responsibility for Medina Spirit’s positive test at the 2021 Kentucky Derby,” Baffert said in a statement on social media. “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 disqualification from Medina Spirit’s performance.”

“I understand and appreciate that Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission have taken steps to enforce the rules they believe were 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 further distractions or negativity. I am very excited to return to Churchill Downs and get back in the Winner’s Circle.”

Churchill Downs followed a few minutes later with its own statement.

“We are satisfied that Mr. Baffert has accepted responsibility for his actions, served a significant sentence and committed to complying with all rules and regulations going forward,” said General Manager Bill Carstanjen. “All parties agree that it is time to close this chapter and focus on the future. Mr. 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.”

Medina Spirit was one of Baffert’s lesser-known 3-year-olds when he won the Derby. About a week later, Baffert received a tip-off that a drug test had come back positive for betamethasone, a drug that is legal but not for race day, and flew to Louisville. He held a heated impromptu press conference in which he explained that he had not given the colt any betamethasone. But a few days later, it was revealed that the drug had been given to the colt in the form of an ointment for a rash on his hindquarters. Baffert then went on a public relations tour, protesting his innocence.

John Velazquez rides Medina Spirit across the finish line to win the 147th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 1, 2021. Medina Spirit was later disqualified after testing positive for a banned drug.

(Jeff Roberson/Associated Press)

The colt was subsequently disqualified and Baffert was suspended for 90 days by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. Three weeks later, Churchill Downs shocked the racing world by banning Baffert from all racetracks for two years, keeping him out of the Kentucky Derby. Then the suspension was extended for another year because he was deemed not sufficiently remorseful.

Lawsuits were filed, but Baffert’s attempts to overturn the suspension or disqualification were unsuccessful.

The following year, he accepted his KHRC suspension and had to move all of his horses to other trainers as signage was removed from his stable at Santa Anita. He returned in July 2022, still maintaining his innocence.

During the first two years of his suspension, Churchill had his horses run in the Kentucky Derby with other trainers, most notably Tim Yakteen, a former assistant. This year, however, his loyal group of owners decided not to change any of their horses and to sit out the Derby.

Among them was Tom Ryan, who heads a consortium of high-profile owners. Ryan, who was caught in the middle of a double-digit delay at Detroit airport on his way to Del Mar for opening day Saturday, said he was unaware of the news.

“I was hoping it would happen but I didn’t know,” Ryan said. “We’ve all been waiting for this result and I’m excited to get to Del Mar and get our two-year-olds up and running and racing. I’m glad the issue has been resolved because it gives us a lot to look forward to. I’m really excited about this season and this will help all of our partners to get involved so we can focus on the classic racing.”

Ryan’s ownership group will send the unraced Getaway Car, named after a Taylor Swift song, to a maiden race on Saturday at Del Mar. The group paid $700,000 for the colt, who is trained by Baffert.

While it seemed that Baffert had taken all the damage in the three-year stalemate, Churchill Downs had to make concessions, too. They withdrew from the Breeders’ Cup next year because they could not guarantee that Baffert would run. Del Mar will win the Breeders’ Cup two years in a row.