Churchill Downs lifts suspension on trainer Bob Baffert

Field Level Media|published: Sat 20th July, 02:02 2024

Medina Spirit trainer Bob Baffert celebrated in the winner's circle after winning the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. on May 1, 2021. Medina Spirit, trained by Bob Baffert, was disqualified as the winner of the Kentucky Derby 2021 and Mandaloun, trained by Brad Cox, was declared the winner.

Churchill Downs' suspension of Hall of Fame thoroughbred trainer Bob Baffert has been lifted in the wake of his acknowledgment that he was ultimately to blame when one of his horses failed a drug test in 2021.

The horse, Medina Spirit, appeared to win the Kentucky Derby that year but was disqualified when an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid, betamethasone, was detected in his blood.

Baffert contended at the time that the substance, which is not permitted for use on race days under the state's protocols, was used as a topical, not an injection.

On Friday, as part of a statement on X, Baffert took responsibility "for any substance found in the horses I train."

pic.twitter.com/6898q4B4dH
— Bob Baffert (@BobBaffert) July 19, 2024

That apparently was enough for Churchill Downs, which noted that Baffert acknowledged responsibility "for his actions, completed a substantial penalty and is committed to running in full compliance with the rules and regulations going forward."

Baffert has trained six Kentucky Derby winners, including two Triple Crown winners.

The suspension, initially set for two years, was extended in July 2023 and was to run through this year.

--Field Level Media

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