Who is Bob Baffert? Six-time Kentucky Derby winner returns to Churchill Downs in 2026

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 .