Q&A with Bob Baffert

The trainer of three Kentucky Derby winners -- Silver Charm, Real Quiet and War Emblem -- will saddle up Indian Express in the 129th running this Saturday.

SI: At 15, you were a jockey who rode your father's horses in match races. How good were you?

Bob Baffert. Bill Frakes

Baffert: I used to tell people that when I rode a horse he was usually 30-1 and 29 of it was me.

SI: You freely admit that you tried LSD and marijuana in high school. Would you advise such a course for future trainers?

Baffert: I would not advise that all. It was a '60s thing.

SI: Describe the actual moment when your horse wins the Derby.

Baffert: When your horse hits the wire, you're sort of thinking about your whole past, all the things that got you there. It's a very emotional race, the only race where you see people around you crying.

SI: What would a Triple Crown horse mean for the sport?

Baffert: I don't think it would really change anything. The most important thing is having a horse go for the Triple Crown. It draws fans to the sport.

SI: How good would Vindication (the reigning 2-year-old champion trained by Baffert) have been if he were healthy?

Baffert: I think he would be the heavy favorite for the Derby. That bothers me even more than Point Given losing the Triple Crown. Vindication was an absolute freak of nature. He was a star.

SI: Has Empire Maker earned his status as the overwhelming favorite?

Baffert: He's definitely earned it. He's looked really strong in his last two races and he won two very important preps.

SI: Which is the most fun Triple Crown race?

Baffert: The Preakness is the fun race. The pressure's off and everybody's relaxed. It's a fun day. The infield at the Preakness is wild with all those college kids. They yell some funny stuff

SI: Has there ever been a good horse racing movie?

Baffert: Phar Lap was an excellent movie and I think Seabiscuit will be awesome.

SI: How would you have trained Seabiscuit?

Baffert: I didn't read the book because I'm holding out for the movie. So I don't know how I would have trained him.

SI: If D. Wayne Lukas is the New York Yankees of horse trainers, who is Bob Baffert?

Baffert: Definitely not the Boston Red Sox. Maybe the Anaheim Angels.

SI: Could you work for George Steinbrenner?

Baffert: Sure. George is a friend. I could work for George.

SI: You love to talk smack. Have you ever talked smack to a horse?

Baffert: I've actually called them a lot of names down the stretch as they are getting beat, but they don't understand. They really are sweet animals.

SI: What's the worst loss you ever suffered in racing?

Baffert: When Cavonnier got nailed on the wire by Grindstone in 1996, the first time I came to the Derby. I thought I would never have another chance at winning the Kentucky Derby.

SI: Has your wife Jill -- a former television personality -- given you any tips on how to be better on TV?

Baffert: She tells me: 'Don't forget to breathe.'

SI: You wear sunglasses because of severe dust allergies. How many pairs do you go through in a year?

Baffert: I actually switch around a lot. I probably have five pairs.

SI: Can you win big without spending big?

Baffert: I did it one time. I bought Real Quiet for $17,000. You can get lucky if you hit on the right one. It's like hitting the lottery.

SI: What's the best name of a horse you've trained?

Baffert: I think Silver Charm is a pretty good name.

SI: How much would your stud fees go for when Bob Baffert finally gets put out to pasture?

Baffert: I think I would have been gelded at a very young age. I don't think I would have made it that far.

--Richard Deitsch

Issue date: May 5, 2003

 

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Q&A Archive May 5, 2003 Issue of Sports Illustrated

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