Thursday Headlines: Bob Baffert Edition

The legendary trainer has been banned from Churchill Downs.

By Zac Oakes@ZacOakes Jun 3, 2021, 6:40am EDT

Yesterday, news came out that Medina Spirit, the Kentucky Derby winner, tested positive on a second drug test, and now, the top trainer in major horse racing will be barred from the next two Kentucky Derbys.

Churchill Downs instituted a two-year ban on hall-of-famer Bob Baffert yesterday following the release of the news. Baffert, who won his seventh Kentucky Derby with Medina Spirit, is suspended effective immediately through the 2023 Spring Meet at Churchill Downs.

The Medina Spirit saga has been ongoing since the news of the positive test broke in May after the Derby, and the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission is tasked with deciding if Medina Spirit will have the Derby title taken.

If so, the second place finisher Mandaloun would be recognized as the winner. A derby-winning horse hasn’t been disqualified for a drug test in more than 50 years.

It’s almost certain Baffert will continue to fight back against any possible disqualification of Medina Spirit and there will probably be more statements released about his suspension from Churchill Downs, so this saga is far from over, if I had to guess.