Churchill Downs Incorporated is extending the suspension for Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert through the end of 2024, the company announced Monday.
The parent company of Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., claimed that Baffert poses a “threat to the safety and integrity of racing” at its tracks. The ruling means that Baffert-trained horses will be ineligible for the 2024 Kentucky Derby.
Baffert’s suspension stems from the disqualification of Medina Spirit after the horse crossed the finish line first at the 2021 Kentucky Derby. Medina Spirit failed a drug test after the race, testing positive for the steroid betamethasone.
“Mr. Baffert continues to peddle a false narrative concerning the failed drug test of Medina Spirit at the 147th Kentucky Derby from which his horse was disqualified by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission in accordance with Kentucky law and regulations,” CDI said in a news release. “Prior to that race, 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.
“The results of the tests clearly show that he did not comply, and his ongoing conduct reveals his continued disregard for the rules and regulations that ensure horse and jockey safety, as well as the integrity and fairness of the races conducted at our facilities.
“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.”
CDI’s statement said that it would re-evaluate Baffert’s status after 2024.
Baffert had no immediate comment.
Baffert also served a suspension from the New York Racing Association for multiple medication violations. Initially a two-year ban, it was reduced to one year in 2022.
Baffert, 69, has produced six Kentucky Derby winners — Silver Charm (1997), Real Quiet (1998), War Emblem (2002), American Pharoah (2015), Justify (2018) and Authentic (2020). American Pharoah and Justify also won the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes to win the Triple Crown.
–Field Level Media