Kentucky Derby 2023: What to know about the first leg of horse racing's Triple Crown

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The Kentucky Derby is the most famous horse race in the sport and it is the first event to begin the Triple Crown. The race is back for its 149th running on Saturday at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.

Much like last year, legendary trainer Bob Baffert will not be allowed at the track. Baffert is sitting out a second straight Derby because Churchill Downs Inc. banned him when his 2021 winner Medina Spirit failed a post-race drug test. The thoroughbred tested positive for an anti-inflammatory medication.

"I've just moved on," Baffert told The Associated Press in an interview before the Derby.

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"There's no more exciting moment when you have a horse that has a chance to win the Derby."

A woman holds a horse after an early-morning workout at Churchill Downs Wednesday, May 3, 2023, in Louisville. The 149th running of the Kentucky Derby is scheduled for Saturday, May 6. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Baffert’s absence isn’t the only cloud around the event.

Churchill Downs launched an investigation into the deaths of four horses at the track. Two horses trained by Saffie Joseph Jr. collapsed on the track and died over the past week. Two others also died as a result of either racing or training. Joseph is set to run Lord Miles in Saturday’s race.

HISTORICAL AND MEMORABLE KENTUCKY DERBY RACES FROM 1875 AND ON

"While a series of events like this is highly unusual, it is completely unacceptable," Churchill Downs said in a statement. "We take this very seriously and acknowledge that these troubling incidents are alarming and must be addressed. We feel a tremendous responsibility to