Bob Baffert, an American racehorse trainer, is renowned for his impressive record of two Triple Crown wins and six Kentucky Derby wins. Born and raised on his family’s ranch in Arizona, Bob’s passion for horse racing began at a young age, as he started practicing with his father’s horses at just 10 years old. After pursuing animal sciences at the University of Arizona, Bob relocated to southern Carolina, where he embarked on a successful career training Thoroughbred horses. In 2015, he achieved a remarkable feat by training American Pharoah to victory in the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes, becoming the second-oldest Triple Crown-winner. Bob’s triumph continued in 2018 when Justify emerged as the winner in the Derby, Preakness, and Belmont races, securing another Triple Crown for him. Notably, with Authentic’s triumph in the 2020 Kentucky Derby, Bob tied with Ben Jones for the most Kentucky Derby wins, totaling six. Alongside his remarkable achievements, Bob has received numerous awards and generously contributed to various charitable causes. Currently residing in California with his wife, Jill, and their son, Bob Baffert remains a prominent figure in the world of horse racing.
Quick Facts
- Also Known As: Robert A. Baffert
- Age: 70 Years, 70 Year Old Males
- Family:
- Spouse/Ex-: Jill Baffert (m. 2002)
- Father: Bill Baffert Sr.
- Mother: Ellie Baffert
- Children: Bode Baffert, Canyon Baffert, Forest Baffert, Savannah Baffert, Taylor Baffert
- Born Country: United States
- Notable Alumni: University Of Arizona
- U.S. State: Arizona
- Education: University Of Arizona
Childhood & Life
Bob Baffert was born Robert A. Baffert on January 13, 1953, in Nogales, Arizona, U.S. He grew up on his family’s ranch where they raised chickens and cattle. When Bob was 10 years old, his father bought a few Quarter Horses and Bob began practicing racing with them on a dirt track at the ranch. As a teenager, Bob worked as a jockey in amateur races near Nogales, earning $100 per day. He attended the University of Arizona and studied animal sciences as part of the university’s Race Track Industry Program, graduating with a BS degree.
Career
After practicing horse racing on his family’s ranch and at local tracks, Bob Baffert began racing on legalized tracks at the age of 17. He started training Quarter Horses at a farm in Prescott, Arizona, after getting married. By the time he was 20, he had made a name for himself as a trainer. In the 1980s, Bob shifted to southern California and started training Thoroughbred horses at the Los Alamitos Race Course. He bought his first Thoroughbred horse, Thirty Slews, in 1988. In 1992, Thirty Slews won Bob his first Breeder’s Cup race and he became the top money-winning trainer in the U.S. four times. Bob continued to have success in classic races, training horses like Cavonnier, Silver Charm, and Point Given. In 2015, he trained American Pharoah, who became the 12th American Triple Crown winner and the first since 1978. In 2018, Bob won another Triple Crown with Justify. He has trained horses for high-profile clients and has won numerous awards and achievements throughout his career.
Awards and Achievements
Bob Baffert has won the Eclipse Award for outstanding trainer for three consecutive years from 1997 to 1999. He has also won the Big Sport of Turfdom Award in 1997. His horses have won 15 American Classic races, 15 Breeder’s Cup races, the first Pegasus World Cup, and three Dubai World Cups. He has had multiple victories in races like the Santa Anita Derby, Haskell Invitational Handicap, and Del Mar Futurity. Bob has three Kentucky Oaks victories to his name and has tied the record for the highest number of Kentucky Derby wins with six.
Philanthropy
After winning the 2015 Belmont race, Bob Baffert and his wife, Jill, donated to several charities that support retired race horses. They donated to programs like the California Retirement Management Account (CARMA), the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, and Old Friends Equine. They also donated to the Permanently Disabled Jockey’s Fund in honor of a jockey named Robert Z. “Bobby” Adair.
Other Pursuits
Bob Baffert has written a book called “Baffert: Dirt Road to the Derby” and has made appearances on TV shows like “Take Home Chef.”
Controversies
In July 2020, Bob Baffert was suspended for 15 days by the Arkansas Racing Commission and had two of his horse’s wins nullified after they tested positive for a banned substance.
Personal Life
Bob Baffert is married to Jill Baffert and they have a son named Bode. Bob has four children from his previous marriage to Sherry. Jill worked as a waitress before becoming a TV reporter. Bob suffered a heart attack in 2012 and underwent surgery. One of his star race horses, American Pharoah, now resides at a farm named Ashford Stud in Kentucky.