3 sources·Entertainment

Bob Baffert Returns to Kentucky Derby: Controversy and Opportunity

After a three-year ban, trainer Bob Baffert returns to the Derby with hopes of a seventh win amid ongoing scrutiny over horse medication rules.

The distribution of story sources: left-leaning (blue), center (light gray), and right-leaning (red).
Mostly Reliable
The underlying sources are generally reliable but sometimes include opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.
Balanced
The underlying sources are either a balanced mix of left and right or primarily centrist.
Subscribe to unlock this story

We really don't like cutting you off, but you've reached your monthly limit. At just $5/month, subscriptions are how we keep this project going. Start your free 7-day trial today!

Get Started
  1. The larger-than-life Bob Baffert is returning to the Kentucky Derby. The identity crisis he represents in racing never left.

    But after more than two years of reporting, I found that the story of Bob Baffert is not a tale of a singular sinner, but instead a parable for a sport struggling to explain its welfare and medication practices to an American public that increasingly disapproves of it.

    The larger-than-life Bob Baffert is returning to the Kentucky Derby. The identity crisis he represents in racing never left.

    CNNCNN·1d
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Leans Left
    This outlet slightly leans left.
  2. Bob Baffert-trained horse scratched from Kentucky Derby ahead of Hall of Famer's return to Churchill Downs

    The Hall of Fame trainer is returning to Churchill Downs for the first time since Medina Spirit’s Kentucky Derby victory in 2021, a title that was later stripped because of a positive drug test resulting in a three-year suspension for Baffert.

    Bob Baffert-trained horse scratched from Kentucky Derby ahead of Hall of Famer's return to Churchill Downs

    FOX NewsFOX News·1d
    Mostly Reliable
    This source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.
    ·
    Leans Right
    This outlet slightly leans right.
  1. CNN
  2. New York Sun
  3. FOX News

Updated: May 2nd, 2025, 12:40 PM ET

Summary

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

Bob Baffert, a prominent horse trainer who faced a suspension due to a failed drug test, makes his much-anticipated return to the Kentucky Derby with his horse Citizen Bull. Baffert’s previous win in 2021 was overshadowed by scandal after Medina Spirit tested positive for a banned substance. While facing mixed reactions, Baffert emphasizes his innocence regarding doping allegations. Only 19 horses will compete in the 151st Derby following late scratches, including one of Baffert's horses, Rodriguez, due to injury.


Perspectives

Compare opinions on this story from liberal (Left), conservative (Right) or center-leaning news organizations.

This story is either non-partisan or does not have the required sources to create partisan perspectives.


FAQs

A list of follow-up questions readers often ask about this story.

No FAQs available for this story.

Bob Baffert Returns to Kentucky Derby: Controversy and Opportunity - Pano News