Churchill Downs extends suspension of trainer Bob Baffert through 2024

A Bob Baffert-trained horse will not be winning the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby after Churchill Downs extended his suspension through the 2024 calendar year.

Baffert’s suspension stems from 2021 when he was caught for five drug-related violations over a calendar year — including with 2021 Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit, who died later that year. The racetrack extended his adjournment after rising concerns, “regarding the threat to the safety and integrity of racing he poses to CDI-owned racetracks.” Over his career, more than of his 30 racehorses have failed drug tests and has paid out over $20,000 in fines.

His suspension was origionally slated to end following the 2023 Spring Meet. Instead, it’ll be 2025 at the earliest before a Baffert horse is back in the Derby.

Baffert is known as one of the most successful racehorse trainers in the industry. Throughout his career, Baffert’s horses have won a record six Kentucky Derbies, eight Preakness Stakes, three Belmont Stakes, and three Kentucky Oaks. He also trained 2015 and 2018 Triple Crown winners American Pharoah and Justify.

He was not allowed to have a horse race in May’s Kentucky Derby, or at any of the events leading up the Run for the Roses in Louisville that week, but ended up following his absence with a statement victory at the Preakness Stakes with National Treasure two weeks later.

Below is the full statement on the extension from Churchill Downs, explaining their stance on Baffert and how he continues to deny any wrongdoing:

“Mr. Baffert continues to peddle a false narrative concerning the failed drug test of Medina Spirit at the 147th Kentucky Derby from which his horse was disqualified by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission in accordance with Kentucky law and regulations. Prior to that race, Mr. Baffert signed an agreement with Churchill Downs which stated that he was responsible for understanding the rules of racing in Kentucky and that he would abide by them.

“The results of the tests clearly show that he did not comply, and his ongoing conduct reveals his continued disregard for the rules and regulations that ensure horse and jockey safety, as well as the integrity and fairness of the races conducted at our facilities.

“A trainer who is unwilling to accept responsibility for multiple drug test failures in our highest-profile races cannot be trusted to avoid future misconduct. Mr. Baffert will remain suspended from entering horses at all racetracks owned by CDI through 2024. After such time, we will re-evaluate his status.”