Bob Baffert Returns to Churchill Downs, "It's like I never left"

For the first time in three years, Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert spent his morning on the backside of Churchill Downs, preparing Kentucky derby hopefuls for the biggest race of their lives.

“It feels great,” he told the media outside of his barn on Friday morning. “I came back here in November, and it was nice. Coming into the stable gate, everyone was nice to me, welcoming me back. It’s like I never left, so I feel great.”

Baffert served a lengthy suspension after Medina Spirit failed a post-race drug test following a victory in the 2021 Kentucky Derby. It was initially a two-year penalty from racing horses at any Churchill Downs Inc. tracks. The two parties litigated against one another, and even after the lawsuits were dropped, Churchill Downs extended the penalty for another year, keeping him out of Kentucky Derby 150.

The added time did not feel like a just punishment, even for his harshest critics. He doesn’t share any hard feelings for the folks at Churchill Downs for the penalty.

“I don’t feel that way because in racing as a trainer, I’d be mad every week, every time we got beat. I always never look back. Turn the page. I accepted it and just move on.” Although he did not disclose how he mended fences with Churchill Downs to get back to the Derby. “Well, that’s a big secret.”

Baffert will be emotional on Kentucky Derby Day

Even though he was not a part of the last three Kentucky Derby races, he still watched them all from afar. One year, he went to a track and placed wagers. Last year, he hosted a party at his house.

“The Derby is still a very important part of (our sport). I enjoy watching it,” Baffert said.

“I actually get nervous when they go in the gate because I know what all of those trainers are feeling and you’re wondering who’s going to get it? Is Steve (Asmussen) going to get his Derby? (Tim) Yakteen was here. We’ve been there, and so you know what they’re feeling, but it’s still exciting to watch.”

There are so many emotions surrounding the greatest spectacle in horse racing. He’s not feeling them now, but that will change on the first Saturday in May.

“When I get the emotions is the day of the Derby. There’s a lot of great memories I’ve had here. When I had my parents here, I think about how I’m so happy that I got to share my successes when they were here to see us win the Derby.” He added, “I’ll definitely get emotional on race day.”

Medina Spirit gave Baffert his record-breaking seventh Kentucky Derby win. The 72-year-old has another opportunity to break that record for a second time with Rodriguez and Citizen Bull.

“It’s exciting any time you win. It’s one of those things where you win a Derby and you think, ‘It could be my last one.’ You have to take them one at a time,” he said. “Right now, the focus is on the horses, to keep them happy and healthy. There’s a lot of details involved from here on out.”