On Monday trainer Bob Baffert announced that he has asked his attorneys to dismiss the appeal of the MEDINA SPIRIT disqualification from the 2021 Kentucky Derby.

The dismissal would bring an end to over two and a half years of litigation and administrative proceedings dating back to May 2021.

Baffert’s statement on Twitter read in-part: “I have instructed my attorneys to dismiss the appeal related to the disqualification of MEDINA SPIRIT in the 2021 Kentucky Derby. We thank the KHRC and Churchill Downs for listening and considering our point of view and we are grateful for the changes and clarity that HISA brings to our sport.”

In response a Churchill Downs spokesperson said:  “Today’s dismissal of appeal does not change the current suspension or deadline to transfer horses for the upcoming 150th Kentucky Derby.”

Baffert has been ineligible to race horses at Churchill Downs since June 2021. Churchill Downs originally imposed a suspension of slightly over two years, though it reserved the right to extend that suspension.

On July 3rd last year, Churchill Downs extended Baffert’s suspension from their facility to the end of 2024, stating in a release that he was “unwilling to accept responsibility for multiple drug test failures in our highest-profile races”.

Monday’s statement from Baffert comes one week before the deadline established by Churchill Downs for horses to be moved to eligible barns in order to remain in consideration for the 2024 Kentucky Derby.

Three horses who began their careers with Baffert have raced in the Kentucky Derby since the disqualification of MEDINA SPIRIT: Both TABIA and MESSIER in 2022, and REINCARNATE in 2023.

All three earned their road to the Kentucky Derby points with trainer Tim Yakteen, then returned to Baffert’s barn after the Run For The Roses.