Bob Baffert Suspended From Churchill Downs For Two Years

Hall of fame horse trainer Bob Baffert has been suspended from Churchill Downs for two years following the confirmation of Medina Spirit’s positive second post-race drug test. The company that runs the track announced yesterday that the suspension is effective immediately. In a statement CEO of Churchill Downs Incorporated Bill Carstanjen said that 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,” and added “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.”

The suspension which includes trainers directly or indirectly employed by Bob Baffert Racing Stables is effective through the conclusion of the 2023 spring meet at Churchill Downs. The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission now has the authority to disqualify Medina Spirit as the winner of the derby but the commission has yet to comment. The New York Racing Association has also suspended Baffert from taking part in races at the track which hosts the Belmont Stakes.