Bob Baffert-trained horse Muth was denied entry into the 2024 Kentucky Derby on Thursday amid Baffert's continued suspension from competing at Churchill Downs.

According to the Associated Press, Zedan Racing Stables requested an emergency hearing and ruling so Muth could run in the Kentucky Derby, but the motion was denied by Kentucky Court of Appeals Judge Jeff S. Taylor.

Baffert was initially suspended from entering horses in races at Churchill Downs for two years after his horse, Medina Spirit, failed a post-race drug test in 2021.

However, Churchill Downs extended the suspension through 2024, citing "continued concerns regarding the threat to the safety and integrity of racing he poses to CDI-owned racetracks."

Muth won the Arkansas Derby last month, which would normally make the horse one of the top contenders to win the Kentucky Derby, but Baffert's suspension complicated matters.

Zedan Racing Stables filed a lawsuit against Churchill Downs just days after Muth's win, calling Baffert's ban from the track "illegal." As part of the suit, ZRS claimed that Baffert's suspension "has no basis in law or in fact."

As part of the explanation for his decision, Taylor noted that ZRS failed to name Baffert as an "indispensable party" in its motion. Taylor also wrote that ZRS' "inexplicable" delay in filing a motion meant emergency relief would not be considered.

Muth could have been eligible for the Kentucky Derby had ZRS transferred Muth to a different trainer by Jan. 29, but ZRS decided against doing so.

Baffert, 71, is a thoroughbred racing Hall of Famer, and is widely recognized as one of the greatest trainers in the history of the sport.

He has won the Kentucky Derby six times, the Preakness Stakes eight times and the Belmont Stakes three times, along with winning the Breeders' Cup Classic on four occasions.

Baffert is also a two-time Triple Crown winner, training American Pharoah in 2015 and Justify in 2018.

His last entry in the Kentucky Derby occurred in 2021. Medina Spirit initially won the race, but was later disqualified due to a positive drug test.

The post draw for the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby is set for Saturday, and the race will occur on May 4.