Horse racing always excites everyone due to speed and fun, but it comes with a cost. Recently, a deadly incident happened in a horse race at Prestbury Park near Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. Amidst this horrifying incident, the news of Bob Baffert’s return is all over. Baffert is known by everyone related to horse racing or the equestrian community, and he is back as Amr Zedan’s horse trainer.

Baffert’s career took a setback in 2021 when he was banned due to a complication. But beyond that, he has a record of six Kentucky Derby under his belt, along with several Triple Crown wins. And now, after a 1.5-year extension, Baffert will be seen with a $3.2 million horse at Churchill Downs. His return has divided the horse racing community, some in favor and some against.

Bob Baffert’s comeback ignited a fire in the community 

Baffert’s new journey will start with a 2-year-old colt named Barnes, as his debut is scheduled for November 27 in the seventh race at Churchill Downs. Amr Zedan purchased the horse from Fasig-Tipton’s sale in 2023—’The Saratoga Sale,’ for $3.2 million. Barnes is going to compete in a 5-furlong maiden special weight sprint and has been named after Bob Baffert’s longtime assistant, Jimmy Barnes.

The news of Baffert’s comeback has ignited a fire among his fans, and the recent incident of horse racing taking the lives of three horses, including the winner Abuffalosoldier, and then Bangers and Cash, also raises concern. The reason for their deaths has not been disclosed yet, but the incident was horrifying and raised concerns over safety, training methods, and even hurdles. Paulick’s ‘X’ page posted about Bob Baffert’s return, and fans are expressing their feelings. But why was Baffert banned, despite winning many titles?

Baffert was found responsible for incorporating a string of thyroid hormones into his training regime, including two in CDI’s races—GI Kentucky Oaks in 2020 and Derby in 2021. Now that he is released from the ban and started training a new one, Baffert told TDN about Barnes, “He has a great mind and a beautifully made horse. Exciting to see how he handles the ship and runs for the first time out.”

But do you know that Amr Zedan had to face a financial loss of around $10 million due to Baffert’s ban? Zedan purchased horses worth $10.7 million to enter the Derby. One of Zedan’s horses, Muth, even won the Arkansas Derby, but he was trained by Baffert. Hence, even after getting 100 points with the win, he got nothing. Now that the infamous trainer is returning, not all fans are happy with the news; a few of them are even criticizing him to the core.

‘Hall of Shame’: A few horse races are not linking Baffert’s return

When any new change happens in any sport, be it any rule or a return of any entity, fans’ involvement is always there. When the news of Bob Baffert’s return came out, horse racing fans were divided. This division highlights the complexity of Baffert’s legacy—celebrated by some yet shunned by others.

One fan didn’t hold back and said, “Should it not be The Hall of Shame?” Another came in Baffert’s support and commented, “I hope he wins and wins by 50.” The 71-year-old has been into horse racing since 1970, and having both fans and critics is normal.

Bob Baffert has titles like the Lone Star Park Hall of Fame (2007) and the U.S. Racing Hall of Fame (2009). The reason behind the shame comment is Baffert’s past incident, due to which he was banned. Now, he has taken full responsibility for testing positive for the Medina Spirit being the Kentucky Derby and clarified that his intention was not bad.

For Baffert loyalists, his return signifies hope. A fan wishes him luck and commented, “Just Baffert getting his Derby Horse ready. Good to see Baffert back at Churchill.” The cloud of past controversies never leaves your side. As one wrote, “Sad day for horse racing.”

A fact to accept is that Baffert embodies the spirit of competition in horse racing. Earned countless titles, including several American Classics wins and Breeders’ Cup wins. He even won the racing award for ‘American Champion Two-Year-Old Male Horse’ not once but six times. Despite being so successful, one bad controversy or mistake can destroy everything. 

One horse racing fan held him responsible for taking the lives of horses; the comment reads, “He’s a disgrace. Over 30 dr*g violations and 90 dead horses He should have been ruled off years ago.” But not everyone is on the negative side, and one fan defends him, arguing for fairness, and wrote, “And do you know how the horses died? You act as if he m**dered them himself when the article about the horses doesn’t state what each horse’s cause of death was.” The debut of Barnes under Bob Baffert is approaching soon, and few horse racing fans are not liking Baffert’s return. Still, it will be interesting to see how the race goes.