Bob Baffert suspended from next 2 Kentucky Derby races

Churchill Downs has dropped the hammer on trainer Bob Baffert, as it’s been announced that he’s been banned from the next two Kentucky Derby races. 

For Bob Baffert, the trainer has been notified that he’s not welcome back at Churchill Downs for the next two years. That’s right, that means he’s been banned form the next two Kentucky Derby races.

Baffert is the trainer of Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit and it’s since been confirmed that the horse recorded a positive drug test. Because of that, Baffert is indeed banned from Churchill Downs and none of his horses can enter a race through 2023.

Medina Spirit trainer Bob Baffert has been banned by Churchill Downs for the next two years

On Wednesday, Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) CEO Bill Carstanjen made it more than clear how much Baffert had let the sport down. Medina Spirit tested positive for betamethasone (steroid), leading to the breaking news of Baffert’s punishment.

“CDI has consistently advocated for strict medication regulations so that we can confidently ensure that horses are fit to race and the races are conducted fairly,” Carstanjen said in a press release. “Reckless practices and substance violations that jeopardize the safety of our equine and human athletes or compromise the integrity of our sport are not acceptable and as a company we must take measures to demonstrate that they will not be tolerated.

“Mr. Baffert’s record of testing failures threatens public confidence in thoroughbred racing and the reputation of the Kentucky Derby.”

The suspension for the Hall-of-Famer is effective immediately. On top of the Baffert news, Medina Spirit testing positive for steroids could also lead to disqualification from the Kentucky Derby, which would in turn give Mandaloun the victory. That decision is expected to come in the near future.