Legendary Horse Trainer Baffert Suffers Heart Attack

From a Santa Anita Park press release.

The racing world was rocked Monday upon hearing the news that Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert—who bases his powerful stable at —suffered a heart attack in Dubai that required coronary stents to remove cardiac blockage.

“We’re all very concerned about Bob’s health and we’re glad to hear that his condition is stable and his outlook is good,” said Santa Anita C.E.O. Mark Verge. “On the other hand, and I’m sure Bob would appreciate this, we’re also very glad to learn that Bob’s got a heart!! We understand his signature white mane is intact and we’re hoping he can get back to cracking jokes and being the most-recognized guy in our sport as soon as possible.

“We understand his doctors have given him a very favorable prognosis and we wish him good luck with both The Factor and Game On Dude, who will be running in a couple of the biggest races of the year over the weekend. We look forward to getting Bob back here at Santa Anita as soon as possible and we wish both him and (his wife) Jill and their entire family all the best during this difficult time.”

According to various media reports, Baffert, 59, suffered a heart attack at approximately 3 a.m. on Monday in Dubai.  He was rushed to a local hospital and it was determined he had substantial arterial blockage which required the insertion of stents. His wife and 7-year-old son, Bode, accompanied him on the trip, as did Bernard Schiappa, part-owner of Game On Dude, who won the 2011 Santa Anita Handicap.