In the horse racing community, Bob Baffert’s voice carries significant weight. Recently, the 72-year-old Hall of Fame trainer took aim at his peers, criticizing their hesitance to race at the Preakness Stakes following the Kentucky Derby. Many fans and insiders didn’t see any flaws in the current system, but not everyone is convinced about the Triple Crown’s demanding schedule.
When Baffert challenged fellow trainers over their reservations about the Triple Crown, it struck a chord with legends like D. Wayne Lukas, who also offers insights into the evolving sport. The shift in participation patterns for the Triple Crown over the years raises eyebrows, leading some experts to wonder how modernization is influencing this prestigious racing tradition.
In a recent NBC Sports YouTube discussion on May 17, host Mike Tirico, alongside analysts Jerry Bailey and Randy Moss, dove deep into the implications of the Triple Crown schedule. Moss, in particular, expressed his frustration at the fact that the one-two-three finishers of the Kentucky Derby have only returned for the Preakness twice in the last 17 years, contrasting sharply with the 1960s and 1970s, when winning horses routinely raced again at Pimlico. “The system is broken,” he lamented, emphasizing that the essence of the Triple Crown is fast diminishing.
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Credit: Instagram/Preakness Stakes
Furthering the discussion, Moss pointed out that the historic rivalries birthed at the Kentucky Derby are now less likely to culminate in thrilling showdowns at the Belmont Stakes. He noted, “It’s troubling, and it has been troubling for several years” as the practice of skipping races becomes more common. This sentiment was echoed by legendary jockey Jerry Bailey, who added that in his day, it was the norm for horses to race back within the Triple Crown, not the exception.
Amid these debates, a key figure in the conversation is trainer Bill Mott. By opting to skip the Preakness Stakes in favor of a focused training approach for the Belmont, Mott emphasized an important perspective—prioritizing a horse’s career longevity over immediate accolades. “We want the career to last more than five weeks,” he noted, reflecting a shift in priorities that many trainers now face.
Baffert’s Recent Challenges
Bob Baffert recently made his return to Churchill Downs following a three-year suspension due to complications from the Medina Spirit incident. Racing enthusiasts expected him to reclaim glory at the 151st Derby on his comeback. However, due to a hoof injury, Baffert’s leading horse, Rodriguez, was scratched, and his secondary entry, Citizen Bull, didn’t perform as hoped.
Fast forward to the 150th Preakness Stakes, where Baffert’s hopes of securing a ninth victory at Pimlico were dashed once again. His colt, Goal Oriented, finished fourth, allowing Kentucky Derby’s second-place finisher, Journalism, to steal the spotlight. With two races down, many are left wondering—will Belmont provide Baffert his long-awaited redemption?
As the conversation around the Triple Crown’s scheduling persists, fans and analysts alike are curious about potential resolutions. Will the sport embrace change to ensure its tradition remains relevant and competitive? Share your thoughts on how the ongoing schedule debate could evolve!
