With the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby just two days away, Bob Baffert once again finds himself chasing history. Already tied with the legendary Ben Jones for the most Derby wins by a trainer with six, Baffert has a chance to stand alone with a seventh Kentucky Derby victory.
Baffert will train has two horses entered in the field in 2026: Potente and Litmus Test.
But while his record speaks for itself, the story of Baffert and his wife, Jill Baffert, extends far beyond the winnerâs circle. Behind the headlines, trophies, and occasional controversy is a side defined by generosity, humility, and a genuine commitment to helping others, a side that often goes unseen.
Bob Baffert’s Legacy Built on More Than Winning
Baffertâs accomplishments in horse racing are nearly unmatched.Â
He is one of only two trainers to saddle multiple Triple Crown winners, guiding American Pharoah in 2015 and Justify in 2018 to historic sweeps.Â
Across his career, he has accumulated 17 Triple Crown race wins, including a record eight Preakness Stakes victories and three Belmont Stakes titles.
Yet what stands out just as much is how Bob and Jill have used that success to give back.
Following American Pharoahâs Triple Crown run, the Bafferts donated $200,000 across four major industry charities, including the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. Theyâve consistently supported equine aftercare, injured jockeys, and backstretch workers, often matching donations during holiday campaigns to inspire others to give.
Jill, a former television journalist, has played a major role in these efforts, serving on advisory boards and helping raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for scholarships and literacy programs through the Edwin J. Gregson Foundation. Together, theyâve also quietly contributed to causes outside racing, including funding support initiatives for vulnerable communities.
These arenât one-off gestures. They represent a sustained commitment to improving lives, both within and beyond the sport.
The Personal Side of Bob and Jill Baffert Few Ever See
Iâve been fortunate enough to personally know Bob and Jill, and the truth is simple: they are some of the most kind and genuine people youâll ever meet.
One moment that always stands out came at the U.S. Open at Los Angeles Country Club a few summers ago. Bob was there with his son, Bode Baffert, enjoying a father-son day. Over the course of the event, what felt like a thousand fans approached him for photos. He said yes to every single one. No hesitation, no frustration, just a desire to make each personâs day.
Another moment goes back years earlier at Santa Anita Park. After a woman working at the Clockerâs Corner breakfast lounge was robbed and left in tears, Bob approached her, listened, and without hesitation covered what had been stolen and more.
 No cameras or headlines, just instinctive kindness.
Those are the moments that define who Bob and Jill Baffert truly are.
Theyâve faced criticism over the years, as all legendary sports figures do. Just look at names like Tom Brady, Bill Belichick, or Nick Saban, success always invites scrutiny.
But beyond the noise, beyond the narratives, thereâs a reality that often goes untold: the Bafferts are people who consistently show up for others.
And that may be their greatest legacy of all.
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