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4mo ago

Bob Baffert Returns to Kentucky Derby After Three-Year Ban

The decorated trainer seeks a record-breaking seventh Derby win with two horses entered in the 2025 race.

Bob Baffert, trainer of Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit, stands near the track at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. April 28, 2021. Picture taken April 28, 2021. REUTERS/Bryan Woolston/ File Photo
Nov 2, 2021; Del Mar, CA, USA; Medina Spirit, trained by Bob Baffert, during workouts at Del Mar Race Track. Ray Acevedo-USA TODAY Sports/ File Photo
Trainer Bob Baffert has two horses competing in the Kentucky Derby: Citizen Bull and Rodriguez.
Trainer Bob Baffert stands with Rodriguez, one of his two entries in the 151st Kentucky Derby as he returns to the race after a three-year ban by Churchill Downs

Overview

  • Bob Baffert is back at Churchill Downs after serving a three-year suspension following Medina Spirit's positive test for betamethasone in 2021.
  • Churchill Downs lifted Baffert's suspension in July 2024 after he accepted responsibility and committed to full compliance with racing regulations.
  • Baffert has two horses in the 2025 Kentucky Derby: Rodriguez (12-1 odds) and Citizen Bull (20-1 odds), both considered long shots against favorite Journalism.
  • The 72-year-old trainer, tied with Ben Jones for the most Derby wins at six, aims to secure a record-breaking seventh victory.
  • Baffert's return has drawn mixed reactions, with support from industry peers but calls for scrutiny from animal-welfare groups following recent horse deaths linked to his former stable.