Since the two shared that moment eight years ago, the two trainers — both members of the Hall of Fame — have continued to reign over the sport, for better and for worse.
Both Baffert and Pletcher have a gift with horses and their demanding owners.
One of the horses, a colt named Forte, will face off against the Baffert-trained National Treasure and seven other thoroughbreds in the 155th running of the Belmont Stakes on Saturday.
Horses that he trains have failed 30 drug tests over four decades — most notably Medina Spirit, who won the 2021 Kentucky Derby but failed a test for a prohibited drug and was disqualified.
That colt was only the second horse in the Derby’s 149-year history whose victory was revoked because of a drug violation.
Persons:
—, of Fame —, Pletcher, Forte, Baffert
Organizations:
of Fame, The New York Times, Kentucky Derby
Locations:
Medina, Kentucky