Bob Baffert is making a return to the Kentucky Derby after a four-year absence, having completed his suspension due to Medina Spirit’s failed drug test. Known for his record-tying six Derby victories, Baffert is back at Churchill Downs, occupying his familiar Barn 33. The signs celebrating his past achievements once again adorn the walls.
“I’m going to have fun now that everything is behind me,” Baffert remarked in a recent interview. For this year’s Derby on May 3, he will be presenting Wood Memorial winner Rodriguez and Citizen Bull, last year’s 2-year-old champion. “Going back with a live horse is more important to me,” he stated. “I really feel like this year I have two horses that could be in the top five, top 10.”
Baffert spent the past three years away from the Kentucky Derby, which he holds in high regard, choosing instead to view it from a distance with family and friends. His absence was eased somewhat by his belief that he hadn’t had a winning horse during those years. “The Derby is a great experience if you have a horse that’s capable and has a chance,” he said.
Back in 2021, Baffert thought he had a winning contender with Medina Spirit, who initially crossed the finish line first, giving him what would have been a record-breaking seventh Derby win. But a failed drug test resulted in Medina Spirit being disqualified, marking only the second time in Derby history a horse was stripped of its victory for such a reason, sullying the reputation of a trainer renowned for his success in the Triple Crown races in 2015 and 2018.
In June 2021, Baffert was handed a two-year suspension for Medina Spirit’s positive test for betamethasone, a steroid allowed for therapeutic use in Kentucky but prohibited on race day. “We never denied the positive,” Baffert said. “We knew we had the positive.” Attempting to provide clarification, Baffert and his legal team argued that Medina Spirit had been treated with a topical ointment containing the drug due to a skin condition.
Reflecting on the past, Baffert said, “I wish I would have known about the (steroid) having the betamethasone,” expressing regret that had he known, he would have avoided the entire situation. The continuous legal battles regarding Medina Spirit’s disqualification led to an additional year being added to Baffert’s suspension by the Louisville track in July 2023. Acknowledging his wrongdoing, Baffert dropped the appeal in January 2024, conceding to the disqualification. Medina Spirit, unfortunately, passed away following a workout in late 2021.
Following his expression of remorse, Churchill Downs rescinded his suspension last July, welcoming him back to compete in the fall, where he secured a win. Bill Carstanjen, CEO of Churchill Downs Inc., met him for a handshake. “We had a good talk,” Baffert stated, acknowledging the understanding reached.
The ordeal has left its mark on the 72-year-old trainer, as well as on his family, colleagues, and finances. “It’s one of those things where I’m just tired of talking about it,” Baffert shared. “It’s been a tough three years and I’ve put that behind me.” Although Baffert was absent from Churchill Downs, his horses continued to compete in the other Triple Crown races, securing a record eighth Preakness win in 2023.
Returning to his old Kentucky home reunites Baffert with people he hasn’t seen in years, and some rival trainers have expressed positivity towards his return. Mark Casse, preparing Sandman for the Derby, commented, “There’s no question that Bob Baffert is very popular and draws a lot of people’s attention. He deserves to be back.” Michael McCarthy, who trains likely Derby favorite Journalism and regularly sees Baffert at Santa Anita in California, described him as “a polarizing figure in our sport,” recognizing Baffert’s ability to attract spectators.
Though the future of California racing is unpredictable, Baffert continues to dedicate himself to the job he loves as long as he has the passion and support from horse owners. “I love the journey of it all,” he shared. “After so many years of being successful, you think you’ve built enough equity where you could sort of cruise along, but not as a horse trainer. Every year I’m starting out fresh. That’s what keeps me going. These horses are great therapy.”
This year, Baffert is achieving a 33% winning record in an industry where success is never guaranteed. “It’s a fun business if you let it be a fun business,” he said, noting that maintaining a positive outlook is essential. “If you don’t let it get you bitter, you’ll be fine, and I have not let it get me bitter. What happened, happened. I took responsibility for it, so that’s it.”