LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Hall of Fame horse trainer Bob Baffert's suspension from racing at Churchill Downs has been extended, Churchill Downs Inc. announced Monday, keeping the two-time Triple Crown winner from entering horses in the Kentucky Derby and other races for an additional year.

The ban, which CDI officials said will last through the 2024 calendar year, is based on continued concerns regarding "the threat to the safety and integrity of racing he poses" to Churchill-owned racetracks.

Baffert initially was suspended for two years after 2021 Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit failed a postrace drug test and later was disqualified.

In a statement, Churchill Downs said Baffert continues to “peddle false narratives” about Medina Spirit’s failed drug test.

"The results of the tests clearly show that he did not comply, and his ongoing conduct reveals his continued disregard for the rules and regulations that ensure horse and jockey safety, as well as the integrity and fairness of the races conducted at our facilities," Churchill Downs said in a statement. "A trainer who is unwilling to accept responsibility for multiple drug test failures in our highest-profile races cannot be trusted to avoid future misconduct. Mr. Baffert will remain suspended from entering horses at all racetracks owned by CDI through 2024."

After calendar year 2024, officials will re-evaluate the trainer's ban.

Baffert, in a statement posted on Twitter, said he was at a loss to understand the decision, defending using a topical ointment on Medina Spirit to treat a skin infection and arguing that it did not involve a disregard of the rules.

“In the interests of the sport we all love, I have made no public comments on this unfortunate episode for an extended period of time, so the suggestion that I ‘continue to peddle false narratives’ is patently false,” Baffert said.

Baffert's most recent win in the Triple Crown series was also clouded with controversy. Havnameltdown was euthanized on the track at Pimlico Race Course due to a leg injury during the undercard of the 2023 Preakness. Another Baffert-trained horse, National Treasure, gave Baffert his record eighth victory in the Preakness and 17th Triple Crown win overall.