Bob Baffert-Trained Horses Barred from 2024 Kentucky Derby After Injunction Denied

Bob Baffert likely will not have any horses in this year's running of the Kentucky Derby.

Jefferson County judge Mitch Perry denied an injunction request from Amr Zedan, the owner of the Baffert-trained Muth, that would have allowed the horse to participate in this year's event, according to Dana O'Neil of The Athletic.

Zedan plans to appeal, per that report.

Baffert was given a two-year ban from Churchill Downs in 2021 after Medina Spirit—trained by Baffert and owned by Zedan—tested positive for a medication that is legal but whose use was prohibited on race days.

The longtime trainer said that he used a topical ointment, Otomax, for a skin infection on Muth, triggering the positive test.

His punishment was extended for one year, however, with Churchill Downs Incorporated noting in a July statement that Baffert "continues to peddle a false narrative concerning the failed drug test of Medina Spirit" and that "a trainer who is unwilling to accept responsibility for multiple drug test failures in our highest-profile races cannot be trusted to avoid future misconduct."

Zedan had argued in his injunction request that Muth—which qualified for the Derby after winning the Arkansas Derby—was being unfairly punished in the situation and denied a once-in-a-lifetime chance to participate in the race.

Judge Perry countered that Zedan could have simply changed trainers, which would have made the horse eligible for the Derby, but "voluntarily" decided against doing so.

"Public trust and confidence in the integrity of the races run at Churchill Downs are essential to its business," the judge added. "It is also in the public interest to ensure that all those who attend or watch races at Churchill Downs can be confident in the fairness and integrity of the sport."