LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Churchill Downs has rescinded a lengthy suspension for trainer Bob Baffert, allowing the Hall of Fame trainer to resume racing at the historic track and affiliated facilities. Baffert had been suspended for more than three years following the failed drug test of 2021 Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit.
The shocking announcement came on Friday after Baffert released a statement taking responsibility for the failed drug test of his stallion Medina Spirit, who died after finishing in the 147th Kentucky Derby in May 2021.
Kentucky racing judges disqualified Medina Spirit the following winter and promoted Mandalone, who had placed second at Churchill Downs, to the Derby championship.
Churchill Downs said in a statement that it was pleased Baffert had fulfilled his responsibilities by serving his penalties and committing to compliance.
“All parties involved agree that the time has come to close this chapter and look to the future. Mr. Baffert is welcome to return to any CDI track, including our flagship Churchill Downs. We wish Mr. Baffert and his associates the best of luck in their future competitive endeavors,” Churchill Downs CEO Bill Carstangen said in a statement.
The two-time Triple Crown winning trainer was a frequent critic of the ban and unsuccessfully sued Churchill Downs, which last year extended the ban until the end of 2024 following subsequent criticism.
Medina Spirit’s owner, Zedun Racing Stables, filed suit this spring to end the trainer’s disciplinary proceedings in order to allow Baffert-trained Arkansas Derby winner Mus to compete in the 150th running of the Derby.
Baffert, 71, accepted responsibility, saying he was responsible for the drug use of horses he trained and acknowledged that he paid a “very high price” in the form of suspensions and disqualifications.
He also said he appreciates that the racetrack and the Kentucky Racing Commission are enforcing the rules they believe are necessary to protect the safety and integrity of horse racing and the reputation of the Kentucky Derby.
“My family and I are eager to put this behind us and get back to doing what we love without any further distractions or dwelling on the negative,” Baffert added. “I am excited to return to Churchill Downs and be in the winner’s circle again.”
The suspension cost Baffert a record-breaking seventh Kentucky Derby win and tarnished the reputation of a trainer considered the face of horse racing.
More importantly, Baffert will no longer be able to attend the races he cherishes most, at the track behind his former stable No. 33, a regular stop for fellow jockeys, media and countless tourists.
Needless to say, relations between the two have deteriorated.
Baffert’s absence was especially noticeable in this year’s landmark 150th Derby, an epic race in which Mystique Dan narrowly held off Sierra Leone and Forever Young to win in a three-horse photo finish.
However, while Churchill Downs’ ban meant that jockey Baffert couldn’t compete in the marquee event, his horses were able to compete in the other races in the Triple Crown.
His stallion, National Treasure, won last year’s Preakness in Baltimore.
Friday’s announcement brings a settlement and closure, clearing the way for Baffert to once again race his horses at Twin Spires Racetrack on racing’s biggest day on the first Saturday in May next year.
