Churchill Downs lifts suspension of horse trainer Bob Baffert after more than 3 years

Churchill Downs Incorporated, home of the historic Kentucky Derby, has lifted the suspension of Hall of Fame horse trainer Bob Baffert after more than three years, the horse racing complex announced Friday. Baffert was barred from participating in horse racing at the track and partner facilities after Medina Spirit, who originally finished first in the 2021 Kentucky Derby, was disqualified after failing a drug test.

Churchill Downs’ decision to lift the suspension followed Baffert taking responsibility for Medina Spirit’s failed drug test.

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

Baffert, the six-time Kentucky Derby winner, was suspended for two years from Churchill Downs after Medina Spirit tested positive for betamethasone, a steroid approved as a medical treatment for horses. Nine months after the race ended, Churchill Downs removed Medina Spirit as the Derby winner.

He was also banned from Pimlico, the venue for the Preakness, and Belmont Park, home of the Belmont Stakes, for one year.

Baffert fought the Derby suspension in court, but relented in February 2023 when a federal judge denied his request for a temporary restraining order. He missed the 2023 Kentucky Derby. In July 2023, Churchill Downs extended Baffert’s two-year suspension through the entire 2024 calendar year because he was “unwilling to accept responsibility” and continued to spread “false representations” surrounding Medina Spirit’s positive test.

This meant that Baffert missed the 150th Kentucky Derby. In May, Baffert said The athleteDana O’Neil said he hopes for a reconciliation with Churchill Downs.

“Although I had to sit out the 150th Kentucky Derby, I am determined to reach an amicable agreement with Churchill Downs to have the opportunity to compete for the Triple Crown again,” said Baffert.

Churchill Downs felt that Baffert was held responsible in relation to Medina Spirit, which led to the lifting of the suspension.

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

With the suspension lifted, Baffert is eligible to race horses in the Kentucky Derby next year. As a trainer, Baffert won two Triple Crowns with American Pharoah (2015) and Justify (2018). His last Triple Crown victory came in the 2023 Preakness, when he trained National Treasure.

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(Photo: Rob Carr/Getty Images)