Baffert Returns to Training

Horses training under Bob Baffert's saddle towels were sighted at Santa Anita Park on the morning of July 3, which marked the end of a 90-day suspension for the two-time Triple Crown winner.

The suspension, which began April 4, was issued by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission for a failed post-race medication test following the win by Zedan Racing Stables' Medina Spirit in the 2021 Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (G1). Kentucky stewards suspended and fined Baffert while disqualifying Medina Spirit from his Derby victory when the Class C substance corticosteroid betamethasone was detected in the colt's post-race split sample. Churchill Downs also banned Baffert from competing in the 2023 Kentucky Derby or at any of its tracks through next May.

Upholding reciprocity, the California Horse Racing Board also suspended Baffert.

However, on Sunday, Baffert was back to business.

 “I’m not ready to retire,” Baffert told Steve Andersen of the Daily Racing Form.

During his suspension, Baffert's runners were transferred to Baffert's former assistant Tim Yakteen and trainer Sean McCarthy. Under Yakteen's care, former Baffert trainees Taiba and Messier ran 1-2 in the Runhappy Santa Anita Derby (G1) prior to competing in the Kentucky Derby, in which they finished 12th and 15th, respectively.

Speaking of Yakteen and McCarthy, Baffert told the Daily Racing Form: "They did a good job. I’m proud of them. They kept it together.”

Baffert's stable is set to compete at the Del Mar summer meet, which begins July 22.