A LIVID Bob Baffert insists he is 'at a loss' to explain his latest massive racing ban - as a row explodes over a 'false narrative'.
Baffert, 70, the country's most famous trainer, has had his ban at Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby, extended until the end of 2024.
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A statement from the track condemned the trainer for peddling a 'false narrative' regarding the failed drugs test of the infamous Medina Spirit.
The horse won the 2021 Derby before being labelled a 'junky' by Donald Trump for subsequently failing a test for betamethasone.
Sadly, Medina Spirit, who was eventually disqualified from the race, collapsed and died later that year during a workout at Santa Anita.
A statement on Monday from Churchill Downs read: "Mr Baffert continues to peddle a false narrative concerning the failed drug test of Medina Spirit at the 147th Kentucky Derby from which his horse was disqualified by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission in accordance with Kentucky law and regulations.
"Prior to that race, Mr Baffert signed an agreement with Churchill Downs which stated he was responsible for understanding the rules of racing in Kentucky and that he would abide by them.
"The results of the tests clearly show he did not comply, and his ongoing conduct reveals his continued disregard for the rules and regulations that ensure horse and jockey safety, as well as the integrity and fairness of the races conducted at our facilities.
"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.
"Mr Baffert will remain suspended from entering horses at all racetracks owned by Churchill Downs through 2024.
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"After such time, we will re-evaluate his status."
But Baffert hit back in a statement posted from his official Twitter account.
He said: "I am at a loss to understand Churchill Downs' latest action to suspend me.
"From the moment I learned of Medina Spirit's post-race positive - now more than two years ago - I committed to find out how it could have occurred, given that we had never injected Medina Spirit's joints with betamethasone, which the veterinary records confirm."
Baffert added that he has been 'open, honest and forthcoming' and acknowledged that 'our treatment led to the positive'.
He added: "In the interests of the sport we all love, I have made no public comments on this unfortunate episode for an extended period of time so the suggestion that I 'continue to peddle a false narrative' is patently false."
