Bob Baffert Receives Bad News Before First Kentucky Derby Since Suspension

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rex Villas | Last updated May 2, 2025 10:45 AM ET

Legendary trainer Bob Baffert is returning to the Kentucky Derby after a three-year absence in the most prestigious horse race in the world.

Baffert was slapped with a two-year suspension by Churchill Downs following the 2021 Derby after his horse, "Medina Spirit," tested positive for a banned substance. After trying to sue Churchill Downs, Baffert was handed an extended suspension in 2023. Then in 2024, Churchill Downs finally lifted its ban on Baffert, paving the way for his upcoming return to the "Run for the Roses."

However, the 72-year-old trainer received some bad news on Thursday, as one of his two entries was scratched from the Derby.

"Rodriguez," a three-year-old colt trained by Baffert and owned by Starlight Racing, has been removed from the list of entries because of a foot issue.

"Out of an abundance of caution, we have made a very tough decision to scratch our Derby horse, Rodriguez," shared Tom Ryan of Starlight Racing in a post on X.

"He has a small but slightly sensitive foot bruise that will need a few more days. Therefore, we are resetting our plans and will target him for the Preakness."

With this development, Baffert is left with "Citizen Bull" as his only hope to give him a Kentucky Derby victory in 2025. Baffert is tied for the most Derby wins ever by a trainer with Ben Jones, who also had six victories in the first leg of the Triple Crown between 1938 and 1952.

Citizen Bull is coming off a fourth-place finish at Grade 1 stakes 2025 Santa Anita Derby last April. Before that, it won two Grade 1 stakes in a row, finishing first at the 2024 Breeders' Cup Juvenile and 2025 Robert B. Lewis.

As a replacement for Rodriguez, "Baeza" will be part of the race on Saturday.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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