Even the most casual horse racing observers have probably heard the name Bob Baffert. The majority of them could probably pick the silver-haired trainer out of a lineup. The 69-year-old has won the Kentucky Derby six times, claimed two Triple Crowns (2015, 2018) and was the handler behind American Pharoah, Justify, Authentic and Medina Spirit.
And it’s that last name that helps explain why Baffert isn’t allowed at the 2022 Kentucky Derby.
Shortly after winning the 2021 Kentucky Derby, Medina Spirit tested positive for the banned steroid betamethasone. While Baffert initially denied ever administering the drug, a subsequent investigation revealed the substance was found in an ointment applied to the horse.
Following the confirmation of a positive drug test in June 2021, Baffert was banned from all Churchill Downs properties for two years—a punishment that will expire following the 2023 Spring Meet. The trainer was also hit with a 90-day suspension, which precludes him from entering any of the Triple Crown races this year.
Medina Spirit died on the track following a workout at Santa Anita Park in California last December.