Even the most casual horse racing observers have probably heard the name Bob Baffert. The majority of them could probably pick the silver-haired trainer out of a lineup. The 69-year-old has won the Kentucky Derby six times, claimed two Triple Crowns (2015, 2018) and was the handler behind American Pharoah, Justify, Authentic and Medina Spirit.
And it’s that last name that helps explain why Baffert isn’t allowed at the 2022 Kentucky Derby.
Shortly after winning the 2021 Kentucky Derby, Medina Spirit tested positive for the banned steroid betamethasone. While Baffert initially denied ever administering the drug, a subsequent investigation revealed the substance was found in an ointment applied to the horse.
