Baffert is back. Churchill Downs puts end to Hall of Fame trainer’s three-year suspension.

Churchill Downs took three paragraphs to end three years of misery for Bob Baffert.

The Hall of Fame trainer, suspended from racing his horses at all Churchill Downs-owned properties since 2021, is once again allowed on the grounds, effective immediately.

Churchill Downs , home of horse racing’s crown jewel, the Kentucky Derby, made its announcement in a three-paragraph news release late Friday afternoon.

“We are satisfied that Mr. Baffert has taken responsibility for his actions, completed a substantial penalty and is committed to running in full compliance with the rules and regulations going forward,” the release from Churchill CEO Bill Carstanjen said. “All parties agree that it is time to bring this chapter to a close and focus on the future. Mr. Baffert is welcome to return to any of CDI’s racetracks, including our flagship Churchill Downs Racetrack, and we wish him and his connections good luck in their future competitive endeavors.”

Baffert was initially suspended for two years in 2021 after he won his record seventh Kentucky Derby with Medina Spirit. Days after the race, Medina Spirit failed a postrace drug test and was disqualified, leaving Baffert stuck on six wins in the Run for the Roses, and tied for the all-time lead with Ben Jones.

Now that his suspension has been lifted, the 71-year-old Baffert’s next opportunity to break the tie with Jones will come May 3, 2025, at the 151 ^st running of the iconic race.

Churchill’s decision to rescind Baffert’s suspension Friday came after Baffert released the following statement earlier Friday:

“I accept responsibility for Medina Spirit’s positive test in the 2021 Kentucky Derby. I am responsible for any substance found in the horses that I train, and I have paid a very steep price with a three-year suspension and the disqualification of Medina Spirit’s performance. I understand and appreciate that Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission took steps to enforce the rules that they believed were necessary to protect the safety and integrity of horse racing and the reputation of the Kentucky Derby. My family and I want to put this behind us and get back to doing what we love to do without anymore distraction or negativity. I very much look forward to returning to Churchill Downs and getting back to the Winner’s Circle.”

This article will be updated.

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