Bob Baffert’s Contentious Return to Churchill Downs for the 151st Kentucky Derby

The 151st running of the Kentucky Derby arrives this Saturday in Louisville, Kentucky, but the focus, for many, isn’t solely on the promising young horses poised to compete for the garland of roses. The overarching storyline, the palpable undercurrent of this year’s event, is the return of Bob Baffert to Churchill Downs. After a controversial three-year suspension, the Hall of Fame trainer is back, and his presence has injected a potent mix of anticipation and debate into the proceedings.

Baffert’s return is not merely a professional reinstatement; it’s a symbolic moment. It represents the complexities of the sport, the delicate balance between achievement and controversy, and the enduring power of reputation, however tarnished. A victory on Saturday with his colt, Citizen Bull, would be more than just another win; it would be a statement. It would elevate him to an unprecedented seven Kentucky Derby victories, surpassing the legendary Ben Jones and solidifying his place as the undisputed king of this iconic race. Furthermore, a win would bring his Triple Crown race victory tally to 17.

While Baffert initially had two horses slated to compete, Rodriguez was unfortunately scratched from the field on Thursday due to a foot bruise, leaving Citizen Bull to carry the weight of Baffert’s ambitions.

Baffert’s Illustrious Career and the Shadow of Controversy

Bob Baffert’s career is a story of remarkable success intertwined with moments of intense scrutiny. His journey from a horse training family in Nogales, Arizona, to the pinnacle of horse racing is a testament to his dedication and skill. His father bred quarter horses on their cattle ranch, instilling in him a deep appreciation for the animals and the sport. Baffert even briefly considered a career as a jockey himself before focusing on training. His commitment to the field is further underscored by his academic pursuits: a degree in animal sciences and racetrack management from the University of Arizona.

As his profile at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame clearly demonstrates, the man is horse racing through and through.

Baffert’s training acumen became undeniable during the Triple Crown runs of American Pharoah in 2015 and Justify in 2018. He etched his name into the history books by becoming only the 11th trainer to achieve the Triple Crown with American Pharoah, ending a 37-year drought. Then, with Justify’s triumphant sweep in 2018, he joined the esteemed James "Sunny Jim" Fitzsimmons as the only trainers to condition two Triple Crown winners.

However, Baffert’s legacy has been irrevocably marked by the controversy surrounding Medina Spirit’s victory in the 2021 Kentucky Derby. The horse tested positive for betamethasone, a corticosteroid, leading to a cloud of suspicion and ultimately, Baffert’s suspension from Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI). While that title was stripped in February 2022, it remains a contested point.

The Suspension and Reinstatement: A Timeline of Conflict

The initial two-year suspension handed down by CDI following the Medina Spirit incident was already a significant blow to Baffert’s career. However, the situation escalated when CDI added an additional year to the ban, citing Baffert’s persistent defense of Medina Spirit and his continued propagation of what they deemed a "false narrative" surrounding the drug test results.

Baffert fought back, filing a lawsuit against CDI in an attempt to overturn the suspension. But in July 2024, he ultimately dropped the suit. In turn, CDI dropped the Baffert suspension and fully reinstated him.

Baffert Today: A Veteran Trainer Seeking Redemption

At 72 years old (turning 73 in January 2026), Bob Baffert is a seasoned veteran of the sport. He has spent 31 years training horses and has produced six Kentucky Derby winners, a number that ties him with the legendary Ben Jones for the most in the race’s history. The controversial stripping of Medina Spirit’s title remains a sore point, fueling Baffert’s determination to reclaim his place atop the Derby leaderboard.

Baffert’s Kentucky Derby Winning Horses:

• Silver Charm (1997)
• Real Quiet (1998)
• War Emblem (2002)
• *American Pharoah (2015)
• *Justify (2018)
• Authentic (2020)

*Denotes Triple Crown winner

This year, Baffert saddles Citizen Bull, a colt who will break from the No. 1 post position. While Citizen Bull is considered a long shot at 14-1 odds, he boasts a solid record of four wins, zero second-place finishes, and one third-place finish in six starts.

The Weight of Expectation and the Future

Baffert’s return to Churchill Downs is more than just a comeback story; it’s a test of resilience, a battle for reputation, and a moment of reckoning. His supporters believe he has been unfairly targeted, while his critics remain skeptical, questioning his ethics and demanding greater accountability. Regardless of one’s perspective, Baffert’s presence at the 151st Kentucky Derby has undeniably amplified the excitement and intrigue surrounding the event.

The question remains: Can Bob Baffert overcome the odds, both on and off the track, and add another chapter to his already legendary career? Will Citizen Bull defy expectations and carry his trainer to a record-breaking seventh Kentucky Derby victory? The answers will unfold on Saturday, in what promises to be one of the most closely watched and intensely debated Kentucky Derbies in recent memory. The weight of history, the shadow of controversy, and the unwavering pursuit of victory converge at Churchill Downs, all centering around the figure of Bob Baffert.