Bob Baffert denies Kentucky Derby cheating allegations, blames spread of 'false narrative'

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Legendary trainer Bob Baffert denied knowingly cheating for last year’s Kentucky Derby win and revealed he’s still fighting to restore Medina Spirit’s victory.

Baffert received a 90-day suspension over Medina Spirit's failed post-race drug test, and the discipline was upheld ahead of this year’s Kentucky Derby. The horse tested positive for betamethasone, an anti-inflammatory medication. 

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Jockey Mike Smith talks with trainer Bob Baffert after winning the Grade 2 Alysheba at Churchill Downs May 3, 2019, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan, File)

The drug must clear a horse’s system at least 14 days before a race. While it supposedly has lesser potential to influence performance, any level of detection on race day is a violation. The horse’s win was stripped and given to Mandaloun.

Baffert was denied entry to any races at Churchill Downs through mid-2023 but told ESPN a day before this year’s race he’s still fighting the rulings. 

"Who would've thought an ointment — an ointment — took down the Kentucky Derby winner," he told the outlet. "That's just not right. And that's something that we're going to, you know, we're gonna fight vigorously to save that horse's Kentucky Derby, because he ... deserved the win."

Baffert said it was "tough" to see his name taken down from the stables at Churchill Downs.

After the horse’s death in December, he said he was trying to fight for the horse's legacy.

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"I think the main thing is to save the legacy of Medina Spirit. That's what I'm fighting for. And I want to fight for