Churchill reinstates Baffert after 3 years | The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Churchill Downs has lifted Bob Baffert’s long-term suspension, allowing the Hall of Fame trainer to return his horses to racing at the historic track and affiliate facilities. Baffert was suspended for more than three years following a negative drug test on 2021 Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit, who was ultimately disqualified.

The shocking announcement came Friday after Baffert released a statement taking responsibility for the failed drug test of now-deceased colt Medina Spirit after he crossed the finish line in the 147th Kentucky Derby in May 2021. Kentucky stewards disqualified Medina Spirit the following winter, and Churchill Downs named runner-up Mandaloun the winner of the Derby.

Churchill Downs said in a press release that it was pleased that Baffert took responsibility, served the penalty and followed the rules.

“All parties agree that it is time to close this chapter and focus on the future. Baffert is welcome to return to any of the CDI racetracks, including our flagship Churchill Downs Racetrack, and we wish him and his associates the best of luck in their future competitive endeavors,” Bill Carstanjen, CEO of Churchill Downs Inc., said in the statement.

The two-time Triple Crown trainer has been a frequent critic of the ban and had unsuccessfully sued Churchill Downs, which last year extended the ban through the end of 2024 amid subsequent criticism. Medina Spirit’s owner, Zedan Racing Stables, had filed a lawsuit seeking to end the trainer’s discipline this spring in an effort to get his Baffert-trained Arkansas Derby winner Muth into the 150th Derby.

In accepting responsibility, Baffert, 71, acknowledged that he had paid a “very high price” with the suspension and disqualification, while taking responsibility for substances in all of the horses he trains. He also said he appreciated what the track and the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, which enforces the rules, felt was necessary to protect the safety and integrity of horse racing and the reputation of the Kentucky Derby.

“My family and I want to put this behind us and get back to doing what we love to do, without any distractions or negativity,” Baffert added. “I’m really looking forward to getting back to Churchill Downs and getting back into the Winner’s Circle.”

The suspension ultimately denied Baffert a record-breaking seventh victory in the Kentucky Derby and tarnished the reputation of a trainer considered the face of horse racing.

More importantly, it left Baffert out of the race he cherishes most, at a track where his former Barn 33 at the back was a mandatory stop for fellow riders, media and countless tourists. And that’s not to mention the fractured relationship between the parties.

Baffert’s absence was most noticeable this year at the 150th Derby, a milestone race that Mystik Dan won by a wide margin from Sierra Leone and Forever Young in a three-abreast photo finish.

But while Churchill Downs’ suspension barred Baffert from racing’s premier event, his horses were able to compete in other parts of the Triple Crown. His colt, National Treasure, won last year’s Preakness in Baltimore.