Life has come full circle for the legendary trainer, Bob Baffert. After the Kentucky Derby in 2021, Baffert was banned by the CDI after one of his horses from that race tested positive for a banned substance. Initially suspended for two years, Baffert’s ban was extended by a year and was cleared by Churchill Downs to participate in this year’s Kentucky Derby after serving his suspension. Ahead of his return, Baffert made his true feelings known before the big race.

Although Baffert and his team never denied that there was a positive drug test of their horse, they hoped that Churchill Downs would drop it to a Class D category offence. However, that was not the case as Baffert was handed a 2 + 1-year suspension. Nonetheless, with that episode behind him now, Baffert sounded confident ahead of his comeback.

During an interview, he was asked, “Do you have your answer rehearsed for all the times you are going to be asked what it’s like being back at Churchill Downs?” Baffert, being a veteran trainer and having participated in several Kentucky Derbies, would have faced this question many times. Subsequently, he cheekily replied, “It’s going to be like I never left, because when I went back there in November, it was normal.”

When Churchill Downs handed Baffert a two-year suspension in 2022, he sued the body and argued that his suspension would result in a negative impact on his business and reputation. However, the Federal Court rejected Baffert’s appeal, and his suspension stood. This resulted in some negative vibes between Baffert and Churchill Downs, who were at a crossroads ever since his suspension.

Meanwhile, Baffert has made his way to Churchill Downs after a three-year exile. Following his much-awaited return, Baffert expressed how he felt after making a return.

Bob Baffert can’t wait for the Kentucky Derby to start

The legendary trainer has entered the Derby with two challengers. First, Rodriguez, winner of the Wood Memorial, and second, Citizen Bull, who captured last year’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. With his horses securing some big victories recently, he is confident of a good showing at the Kentucky Derby. Ahead of the start of the grand event, he made his true feelings known to his fans.

Baffert said, “It’s nice to be back here, back to the old barn. This is like the Masters, it lasts a week. Everything has to go so well. So far all the horses got here in great shape and we’re happy. It feels great to be back. Coming into the stable gate everybody was nice to me and welcomed me back. I never look back and turn the page. I accepted it and we move on.”

After several lawsuits and serving the full length of the suspension, Baffert will finally step onto the grand stage at the Kentucky Derby. With several good contenders in the fray, it won’t be easy for Baffert’s challengers to lift the title. Do you feel that Baffert would emerge victorious on his return? Let us know your views in the comments below.