Bob Baffert Suspended From Entering Horses at Churchill Downs

LOUISVILLE, KY – Just when the 7-time* Kentucky Derby (G1)-winning trainer Bob Baffert thought his morning couldn’t get any worse, Churchill Downs’ has suspended Bob Baffert from entering horses st Churchill Downs. Earlier today Baffert confirmed that Medina Spirit, who captured last Saturday’s 147th running of the Greatest Two Minutes in Sports, tested positive for an overage of betamethasone, a corticosteroid used in horses to control pain and inflammation.

Churchill Downs’ Statement in Response to Medina Spirit’s Post-Race Test Result Allegations

It is our understanding that Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit’s post-race blood sample indicated a violation of the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s equine medication protocols. The connections of Medina Spirit have the right to request a test of a split sample and we understand they intend to do so. To be clear, if the findings are upheld, Medina Spirit’s results in the Kentucky Derby will be invalidated and Mandaloun will be declared the winner.  

Failure to comply with the rules and medication protocols jeopardizes the safety of the horses and jockeys, the integrity of our sport and the reputation of the Kentucky Derby and all who participate. Churchill Downs will not tolerate it. Given the seriousness of the alleged offense, Churchill Downs will immediately suspend Bob Baffert, the trainer of Medina Spirit, from entering any horses at Churchill Downs Racetrack. We will await the conclusion of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commissions’ investigation before taking further steps.

Baffert also reiterated this morning that both Medina Spirit and Concert Tour would be running in this Saturday’s Preakness Stakes (G1). Stay tuned for more information as we continue to learn more details.