Kentucky Derby 2025: Why Bob Baffert is booed at Churchill Downs

USA Today

03-05-2025

Kentucky Derby 2025: Why Bob Baffert is booed at Churchill Downs
Bob Baffert is finally back at Churchill Downs and not everyone is happy about it.
The famed horse trainer, who is going for his seventh Kentucky Derby victory on Saturday, is back at the track for the first time since 2021 following a three-year suspension. Churchill Downs punished Baffert after Medina Spirit won the Derby then tested positive for banned substances.
Per USA Today:
Baffert initially denied any wrongdoing and appealed the suspension through a lawsuit, and Churchill Downs officials extended the suspension another year. But Baffert eventually accepted responsibility for the traces of betamethasone found in Medina Spirit after the 2021 Kentucky Derby in a statement released last year in conjunction with the end of his suspension. That paved the way for Baffert to have two horses in the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby this year.
The 72-year-old has, naturally, been a constant presence at the track lately. The fans aren't thrilled.
Baffert was audibly booed during the Post Position Draw livestream last week and can probably expect a similar response on Saturday.
Despite initially entering two horses into the Derby, only Citizen Bull will lineup in the starting gate in the dreaded No. 1 spot along the rail. The colt is considered a long-shot, but Baffert already found himself in the winner's circle on Saturday with a victory in the third race on the back of Goal Oriented. Baffert took second place in the sixth race with Madaket Road.
A win in the day's biggest race would give Baffert a record-breaking seventh Kentucky Derby victory — and a fascinating reception would be likely to follow if it happens.