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.