Bob Baffert’s suspension for Churchill Downs lifted; trainer was banned in 2021

Bob Baffert’s suspension from Churchill Downs was lifted after the trainer was suspended in 2021, according to the Louisville Courier Journal’s Alexis Cubit.

Churchill Downs CEO Bill Carstanjen issued the following statement regarding Baffert’s suspension:

“We are satisfied that Mr. Baffert has accepted responsibility for his actions, served a significant sentence and committed to fully complying with the rules and regulations going forward,” Carstanjen said. “All parties agree that it is time to close this chapter and focus on the future. Mr. Baffert is welcome to return to any of the CDI racetracks, including our flagship racetrack, Churchill Downs, and we wish him and his connections the best of luck in their future competitive endeavors.”

Baffert was suspended in 2021 after Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit tested positive for betamethasone, an “anti-inflammatory drug that is only approved in approved amounts,” according to Chuck Culpepper of the Washington Post.

Baffert’s suspension was originally scheduled to expire last summer, but was extended by Churchill Downs Inc. until the end of 2024 due to “ongoing concerns about the threat to the safety and integrity of racing he poses at CDI-owned racetracks.”

Baffert initially denied giving Medina Spirit the banned substance. He later admitted that the horse had been treated with Otomax, an antifungal ointment that contains betamethasone.

After his suspension was lifted on Friday, Baffert issued a statement on social media.

“I understand and appreciate that Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission have taken steps to enforce the rules they believe were necessary to protect the safety and integrity of the sport of horse racing and the reputation of the Kentucky Derby,” Baffert wrote. “My family and I want to put this behind us and get back to doing what we love without any further distractions or negativity. I am very excited to return to Churchill Downs and get back in the Winner’s Circle.”

Baffert has won the Kentucky Derby six times, most recently in 2020. Although Medina Spirit won the 2021 Kentucky Derby, the horse was disqualified due to the positive test, so Mandaloun was the winner.

Baffert has also trained two Triple Crown champions: American Pharoah in 2015 and Justify in 2018. Baffert’s most recent win of a Triple Crown jewel came in 2023 when National Treasure won the Preakness Stakes.

Now that he can compete in the Kentucky Derby again, Baffert will try to take home his third Triple Crown.