Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby (G1), set off fireworks in the thoroughbred racing industry on Monday (July 3) by extending six-time Derby-winning trainer Bob Baffert’s suspension for another year.
The unexpected announcement came in a release by Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI), which owns the home of America’s most famous race and several other racetracks.
“Mr. Baffert continues to peddle a false narrative concerning the failed drug test of Medina Spirit,’’ read the opening comment from CDI.
In 2021, Baffert’s Medina Spirit finished first in the Derby to give Baffert a record-setting seventh win in the Run for the Roses. A week later, the track said post-race tests showed the horse had a race-day overage of a legal medication — betamethasone, a potent corticosteroid used to reduce pain and inflammation.
Medina Spirit was disqualified by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, Baffert was banned for two years from CDI-owned tracks as well as the Preakness (G1) at Pimlico and NYRA-run tracks that include the home of the Belmont Stakes (G1), the final leg of the Triple Crown races.
Baffert’s first response came via Twitter later in the day: “I am at a loss to understand Churchill Downs’ latest action to suspend me,” he said.
Let the legal maneuvering begin.
The most iconic racetrack tacking on an additional year’s suspension to the most recognized trainer in the world is sure to explode in a sport embroiled in controversy.
Just last week, Churchill Downs ended the suspension of trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr., after two of his horses died at the track with the cause undetermined even after necropsies were completed.
A total of 12 horses died in a five-week period at Churchill Downs leading up to the Derby, and on Derby Day. And, Churchill Downs suspended racing and shifted its spring meet to CDI-owned Ellis Park as it investigated the unusual number of deaths at the track.
Nonetheless, Baffert has been banned from competing in the Derby until at least 2025, and that’s if CDI doesn’t further extend the ban.
The CDI statement went on: “Prior to that race (the 2021 Derby), Mr. Baffert signed an agreement with Churchill Downs which stated that he was responsible for understanding the rules of racing in Kentucky and that he would abide by them …
“A trainer who is unwilling to accept responsibility for multiple drug test failures in our highest-profile races cannot be trusted to avoid future misconduct. Mr. Baffert will remain suspended from entering horses at all racetracks owned by CDI through 2024. After such time, we will re-evaluate.”
Baffert’s Twitter comment continued: “In the interests of the sport we all love, I have made no comments on this unfortunate episode for an extended period of time and the suggestion that I ‘continue to peddle a false narrative’ is patently false.”
The trainer, who has 30 failed drug tests over 40 years, according to the New York Times, added a record-extending eighth Preakness win to his resume with National Treasure on May 20. He has several other top 3-year-olds ready for the summer season at Saratoga, Monmouth Park, and Del Mar, as well as the Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita on Nov. 3-4.
Baffert, through his attorneys, has been fighting with Churchill Downs, Kentucky racing authorities, and in federal court ever since the Medina Spirit DQ.
The writing team at US Racing is comprised of both full-time and part-time contributors with expertise in various aspects of the Sport of Kings.
