Will Bob Baffert’s Horse Compete at the 2024 Kentucky Derby?

Amidst the excitement surrounding the 2024 Kentucky Derby, one issue remains unanswered: Will legendary trainer Bob Baffert, who holds a record-tying 6X achievements, have a horse sprinting in the race this year? However, Baffert’s absence clouds the Run for the Roses, which is anticipated with a star-studded list of contenders willing to leave their hoofprints on the stomping grounds. Many are speculating about the consequences for this year’s Derby and beyond, following Churchill Downs Incorporated’s decision to prolong Baffert’s suspension.

As the Derby approaches, there is no sign of expectation for Baffert’s comeback to the esteemed occasion. Supporters are coping with the impact as the organization extends the suspension of legendary trainer Baffert, highlighting the gap between them and Churchill Downs Incorporated. By giving Bob Baffert a one-year extension on his two-year suspension, Churchill Downs Incorporated hoped to hammer him with a lesson for his misdeeds (suspicions of his horses failing drug tests).

However, they didn’t give much care to the collateral impact of falling out with the Hall of Fame trainer. For the third year in a row, the 150th Kentucky Derby will take place without Baffert’s attendance after a Jefferson County Circuit Court judge rejected owner Amr Zedan’s 11th-hour request for an injunction and his subsequent appeal.

Baffert and Hall of Famer Ben Jones are tied for the most wins among trainers. There’s no reason to think the 71-year-old won’t break that tie and take home the record, short of forbidding him from playing. The audience is less fortunate as long as Baffert has no entries at Churchill Downs. Let’s delve deep into the actual nebulous reason for his suspension and what is at stake here.

Why was Baffert’s suspension extended?

The consequences of the Kentucky Derby in 2021 led Churchill Downs Incorporated to decide to increase Bob Baffert’s suspension. Baffert received an extension of one year from Churchill Downs Inc. last July, extending his two-year suspension that was scheduled to end in 2023. Despite the absence of any adverse drug or medication tests involving the 71-year-old trainer’s horses over that period, they still decided to mete out the extra punishment.

When Medina Spirit, Baffert’s 2021 Derby winner, failed a post-race drug test, CDI assessed the initial penalty. The colt’s sample contained a prescription drug that is lawful but prohibited on Kentucky race days. A later ruling disqualified Medina Spirit. After two years of legal action, Baffert could not have Medina Spirit’s title reinstated or to have Churchill Downs reinstate him. Baffert announced his decision to withdraw his legal actions against CDI in January. The two sides’ icy connection did not improve because of his action.

Furthermore, CDI stated in a statement that extended the suspension, mentioning, “A trainer who is unwilling to accept responsibility for multiple drug test failures in our highest-profile races cannot be trusted to avoid future misconduct.” Continued further, “Mr. Baffert will remain suspended from entering horses at all racetracks owned by CDI through 2024. After such time, we will re-evaluate his status.” Ultimately, any Baffert horse that was suspended could not earn Derby qualifying points, which determine the race’s 20-horse field.