Bob Baffert is aiming for a record-setting seventh Kentucky Derby victory in 2026.

The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame trainer returns to Churchill Downs for the 152nd Run for the Roses after serving a lengthy suspension that kept him out of Triple Crown races in recent years.

Here’s what to know about Baffert.

Potente, trained by Bob Baffert, to compete in 2026 Kentucky Derby

Potente, trained by Baffert, is expected to compete in the 2026 Kentucky Derby. The horse will enter the Kentucky Derby off a second-place finish in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby on April 4. He currently ranks 10th on the Kentucky Derby points leaderboard with 100.

Learn more:Potente horse trainer, jockey, owner for Kentucky Derby 2026

Who is Bob Baffert?

Baffert is competing to win his seventh Kentucky Derby on May 2. He is tied for the most Derby victories by a single trainer, with his six putting him alongside the legendary Ben Jones.

Baffert also holds all-time marks for Triple Crown wins by a trainer (17) and most Preakness Stakes victories (eight; 1997, 1998, 2001, 2002, 2010, 2015, 2018 and 2023). He's one of only two men to train multiple Triple Crown thoroughbreds, joining James E. "Sunny Jim" Fitzsimmons.

Learn more:From Bob Baffert to Brad Cox, meet Kentucky Derby 2026 trainers

Why was Bob Baffert suspended?

Baffert was suspended from Churchill Downs after the 2021 Run for the Roses. The horse trainer appeared to have his seventh Kentucky Derby win when Medina Spirit crossed the finish line first during the 147th race.

A week later, however, Baffert announced Medina Spirit had tested positive for betamethasone. This led to a disqualification, a suspension and numerous lawsuits. Mandaloun was named the official Kentucky Derby winner for 2021.

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How long was Bob Baffert's suspension?

Baffert faced three years of suspensions after the 2021 Kentucky Derby.

Bob Baffert returns to the Kentucky Derby in 2025

Baffert returned to the 2025 Kentucky Derby with two contenders. Rodriguez scratched before the race, and Citizen Bull finished in 15th place.

Bob Baffert Kentucky Derby winners

• Silver Charm (1997)

• Real Quiet (1998)

• War Emblem (2002)

• Americah Pharoah (2015)

• Justify (2018)

• Authentic (2020)

Contributing: Jason Frakes, Ryan Black and Prince James Story. Reach Marina Johnson at Marina.Johnson@courier-journal.com.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Bob Baffert returns to Kentucky Derby in 2026. About trainer, suspension