The owner of Muth, who emerged victorious in the Arkansas Derby, announced on Thursday that the horse will now target the Preakness Stakes, following a legal setback that barred its entry into the upcoming Kentucky Derby.

Amr Zedan, the owner, had sought an emergency injunction from the Kentucky Court of Appeals to permit Muth’s participation in the Kentucky Derby, but Judge Jeff Taylor denied this request on Wednesday. Muth, trained by Bob Baffert, finds itself in this situation as Baffert is currently under suspension at Churchill Downs until the year’s end.

This suspension stems from a previous incident involving another horse owned by Zedan and trained by Baffert, Medina Spirit. Medina Spirit initially won the 2021 Kentucky Derby but later had its title revoked due to a failed post-race drug test. Baffert’s suspension was initially for two years, but last July, Churchill Downs extended it through 2024. Zedan argued in court that he had invested heavily in seven horses, including Muth, under the assumption that they would be eligible for the 2024 Kentucky Derby once Baffert’s suspension ended, as reported by the Louisville Courier Journal.

In light of these developments, Zedan stated in a press release on Thursday that he will redirect his focus towards preparing his stable for the Preakness Stakes, the second event in the Triple Crown series, scheduled for May 18 at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore.

“I had the pleasure of speaking with Alex Rankin, the chairman of Churchill Downs, and I congratulated him on the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby and wish him and racing fans around the world a competitive, captivating and safe race,” Zedan said. “I look forward to bringing Muth to the Preakness.”

Bob Baffert, a 71-year-old Hall of Fame trainer, boasts an illustrious resume with six Kentucky Derby wins and having trained two Triple Crown champions, American Pharoah and Justify.