Legendary Trainer Bob Baffert Cleared to Return to Racing at 2025 Kentucky Derby
In a surprise move, Churchill Downs has lifted its suspension of legendary trainer Bob Baffert, allowing him to return to racing at the 2025 Kentucky Derby. The decision comes after Baffert posted a statement on social media taking responsibility for Medina Spirit’s positive drug test following the 2021 Kentucky Derby.
Baffert, a six-time Kentucky Derby winner, was suspended for three years after Medina Spirit tested positive for the corticosteroid betamethasone. The drug is injected into joints to reduce pain and swelling, but is only allowed up to a certain level in horse racing. Medina Spirit tested positive for 21 picograms of betamethasone, more than twice the permitted amount.
Despite the positive test results, Baffert insisted that Medina Spirit had never been treated with betamethasone. However, another of his horses, Gamine, tested positive for the same substance after finishing third in the 2020 Kentucky Oaks. Gamine was disqualified and Baffert was fined $1,500.
The ban was extended to three years in 2023 when Churchill Downs felt that Baffert continued to be unwilling to accept responsibility for Medina Spirit’s positive drug test. However, Baffert’s statement on social media appears to have satisfied Churchill Downs, which has now rescinded his suspension.
“We are satisfied that Mr. Baffert has taken responsibility for his actions, completed a substantial penalty and is committed to running in full compliance with the rules and regulations going forward,” said Churchill Downs CEO Bill Carstanjen in a subsequent statement.
Baffert’s horses have also failed 30 drug tests during the previous 40-plus years, including four in a six-month period including the 2021 Derby. Despite this, he remains the most successful trainer in American horse racing, with his horses winning seven Kentucky Derby titles and sweeping the Triple Crown events twice in a five-year span from 2016-21.
Baffert was inducted into the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame in 2009 and has been a dominant force in American horse racing for decades. His return to racing at the 2025 Kentucky Derby is likely to be a major storyline in the lead-up to the event.
