Bob Baffert says he is not transferring horses for this year’s Kentucky Derby

As it stands now, not only will Bob Baffert not be in the 2024 Kentucky Derby, neither will his horses.

Suspended by Churchill Downs the past two years, the Hall of Fame trainer had transferred his horses to former assistant trainer Tim Yakteen so that they could run in the Derby on the first Saturday in May.

Though Churchill extended the suspension to a third year, Baffert told John Cherwa of the Los Angeles Times that he won’t be doing that this year.

“Nobody is going to transfer their horses,” Baffert told Cherwa. “I just remain focused on training my horses and competing in the big races.”

The deadline for transferring horses to eligible trainers for the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby was Monday.

Baffert was suspended after Medina Spirit tested positive for a substance banned on race after winning the Kentucky Derby in 2021. Baffert subsequently sued Churchill Downs in what has been ongoing legal battle with the Louisville track. The trainer announced recently he is dropping his suit, but Churchill has not dropped its suspension.

“I have instructed my attorneys to dismiss the appeal related to the disqualification of Medina Spirit in the 2021 Kentucky Derby,” Baffert said in a statement. “Zedan Racing owner, Amr Zedan, and I have decided that it is best to positively focus on the present and future that our great sport offers. We thank the KHRC and Churchill Downs for listening and considering our point of view and we are grateful for the changes and clarity that HISA brings to our sport.”

After originally announcing a two-year suspension for Baffert, Churchill announced on July 3, 2023, that it was extending the suspension through 2024.

“Mr. Baffert continues to peddle a false narrative concerning the failed drug test of Medina Spirit at the 147th Kentucky Derby from which his horse was disqualified by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission in accordance with Kentucky law and regulations,” Churchill Downs Incorporated announced in a statement. “Prior to that race, Mr. Baffert signed an agreement with Churchill Downs which stated that he was responsible for understanding the rules of racing in Kentucky and that he would abide by them.

“The results of the tests clearly show that he did not comply, and his ongoing conduct reveals his continued disregard for the rules and regulations that ensure horse and jockey safety, as well as the integrity and fairness of the races conducted at our facilities. A trainer who is unwilling to accept responsibility for multiple drug test failures in our highest-profile races cannot be trusted to avoid future misconduct. Mr. Baffert will remain suspended from entering horses at all racetracks owned by CDI through 2024. After such time, we will re-evaluate his status.”

After Baffert announced that he was no longer pursuing a legal path, Churchill released a statement saying, “Today’s dismissal of appeal does not change the current suspension or deadline to transfer horses for the upcoming 150th Kentucky Derby.”

According to the Times, Baffert has nominated 18 horses for the Triple Crown. So far, his best prospects are San Vicente winner Muth and Nysos, who has won his first two starts. Nysos is to run in the Robert Lewis Stakes at Santa Anita on Saturday. Baffert also trains Wynstock, who is set to run in the Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn on Saturday.

Despite the Churchill Downs ban, Baffert is still allowed to train horses in the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico in Baltimore and the Belmont Stakes, which this year will be run at Saratoga while Belmont Park is undergoing renovations.

Trained by Baffert, National Treasure won the Preakness last May. Last Saturday, National Treasure gave Baffert his third win in the Pegasus World Cup.

The 71-year-old Baffert has won the Derby a record six times — Silver Charm in 1997; Real Quiet in 1998; War Emblem in 2002; American Pharoah in 2015; Justify in 2018 and Authentic in 2020.