Bob Baffert, a titan of the horse racing world and a six-time Kentucky Derby-winning trainer, is making his highly anticipated return to Churchill Downs for the 151st running of the prestigious race. This marks his first appearance in three years, a period marked by controversy and a suspension from the iconic track. Baffert’s presence at the Derby is, once again, the dominant storyline.
A victory on Saturday with his charge, Citizen Bull, would not only mark a significant personal achievement for Baffert but also etch his name further into racing history. It would bring his total wins at Triple Crown race tracks to 17, and more specifically, would grant him a record-breaking seventh Kentucky Derby victory, surpassing all previous trainers. Originally, Baffert had two horses entered in the Derby, but Rodriguez was unfortunately scratched from the field on Thursday due to a foot bruise, leaving Citizen Bull as his sole contender.
Who is Bob Baffert?
Bob Baffert is a celebrated figure in horse racing, a Hall of Fame trainer whose name is synonymous with success and, more recently, with controversy. Hailing from Nogales, Arizona, Baffert comes from a family with deep roots in equestrianism, with his father being a quarter horse breeder on their cattle ranch. Before dedicating himself to training, Baffert also had a stint as a jockey. His formal education in animal sciences and racetrack management from the University of Arizona laid a strong foundation for his illustrious career.
Baffert’s legacy was cemented in 2015 when American Pharoah achieved the coveted Triple Crown, making Baffert the 11th trainer in history to accomplish this feat. He further elevated his status in 2018 with Justify’s Triple Crown victory, joining the legendary James “Sunny Jim” Fitzsimmons as the only trainers to have guided two horses to this ultimate achievement.
However, Baffert’s career has also been shadowed by a significant ban from Churchill Downs. This suspension stemmed from a positive drug test by Medina Spirit, the winner of the 2021 Kentucky Derby, for the corticosteroid betamethasone. This incident led to a three-year ban, which was eventually lifted, allowing for his return.
Baffert’s Triumph in Triple Crown Races
Bob Baffert’s training prowess is evident in his impressive record across the Triple Crown series. His horses have achieved remarkable success:
Triple Crown Victories:
- American Pharoah (2015)
- Justify (2018)
Kentucky Derby Wins:
- Silver Charm (1997)
- Real Quiet (1998)
- War Emblem (2002)
- American Pharoah (2015)
- Justify (2018)
- Authentic (2020)
- Medina Spirit (2021) – Note: This title was rescinded in February 2022 due to a medication violation and does not count towards Baffert’s official Derby win total.
Preakness Stakes Victories:
- Silver Charm (1997)
- Real Quiet (1998)
- Point Given (2001)
- War Emblem (2002)
- Lookin At Lucky (2010)
- American Pharoah (2015)
- Justify (2018)
- National Treasure (2023)
Belmont Stakes Victories:
- Point Given (2001)
- American Pharoah (2015)
- Justify (2018)
The Bob Baffert Ban Explained
The ban imposed by Churchill Downs on Bob Baffert was a direct consequence of Medina Spirit’s positive drug test following the 2021 Kentucky Derby. Initially a two-year suspension, Churchill Downs Incorporated extended it by an additional year. This extension was reportedly due to Baffert’s public statements regarding the drug test results, which Churchill Downs described as perpetuating a “false narrative.” Baffert eventually dropped his legal challenge in July 2024, leading to the lifting of his suspension and his reinstatement at Churchill Downs.
Bob Baffert’s Age and Derby Wins
Currently, Bob Baffert is 72 years old and will celebrate his 73rd birthday in January 2026. Throughout his distinguished 31-year training career, Baffert has saddled six horses to victory in the Kentucky Derby. This impressive tally ties him with Ben Jones for the most wins in the race’s history. While Medina Spirit’s win would have been his seventh, the subsequent disqualification means his official count remains at six.
The six horses Baffert has trained to win the Kentucky Derby are:
- 1997: Silver Charm
- 1998: Real Quiet
- 2002: War Emblem
- 2015: American Pharoah *
- 2018: Justify *
- 2020: Authentic
(* Denotes Triple Crown winner)
Bob Baffert’s Contender in the 2025 Kentucky Derby: Citizen Bull
For the 151st Kentucky Derby, Bob Baffert is represented by Citizen Bull. The colt will break from the No. 1 post position. Citizen Bull is considered a long shot in the race, with current odds at 14-1. He has a racing record of 4-0-1 in six starts. Citizen Bull’s journey to the Derby, along with Baffert’s return, adds another layer of intrigue to this year’s event.
The story of Bob Baffert at the Kentucky Derby is one of unparalleled success intertwined with significant challenges. His return to Churchill Downs is a testament to his enduring impact on the sport and a focal point for racing enthusiasts worldwide.
