New blow for Phoenix Thoroughbreds as training legend Bob Baffert cuts ties

Phoenix Thoroughbreds has lost the support of one of the world’s leading trainers after Bob Baffert distanced himself from the global ownership group.

Baffert, 67, was among the first trainers to take charge of horses running under the Phoenix Thoroughbreds banner and provided the owners with a landmark victory when Dream Tree landed their first Grade 1 in the 2017 Starlit Stakes.

Baffert, who masterminded the US Triple Crown runs of American Pharoah and Justify, continued to train for Phoenix, and its sister syndicate Phoenix Ladies, until last year when the Racing Post understands the trainer terminated the relationship.