Is Bob Baffert still married?
Getting to Know the Man Behind the Legend: A Close Look at Bob Baffert‘s Personal Life
Table of Contents
- Baffert‘s Rise to Fame and Fortune
- His First Marriage and Family
- Finding Love Again with Jill Baffert
- Balancing Fatherhood and Horse Training
- Perspective from Baffert‘s Kids
- Daily Life with Jill and the Boys
- Quotes from Bob and Jill on Marriage
- Still Going Strong After 20 Years
Baffert‘s Rise to Fame and Fortune
Before he became horse racing royalty, Bob Baffert was just another young guy trying to make it in the business. After growing up around horses on a ranch in Arizona, Baffert knew training was his calling. Though he started small with quarter horses, he hustled his way to prominence in the 90s with expert handling of elite thoroughbreds.
After making a name for himself on the California racing circuit, Baffert exploded onto the national scene when he guided the colt Silver Charm to victory in the 1997 Kentucky Derby. It was the first of a record-setting seven Derby wins (and counting!) for the silver-haired trainer.
Baffert has since amassed over 3,500 career wins, 20 Breeder‘s Cup championships, and back-to-back Triple Crown titles with American Pharoah (2015) and Justify (2018). His horses have earned over $320 million in prize money. Yet despite all his success, Baffert‘s family life has endured ups and downs over the decades.
His First Marriage and Family
Bob tied the knot with his first wife Sherry in the late 1970s, when he was a little-known quarter horse trainer trying to work his way up. Not much is known about how the couple met, but it was reportedly love at first sight for the young Baffert.
The newlyweds were thrilled when they welcomed their son, Taylor, in 1980. Baffert was hands-on as a father in Taylor‘s early years, even bringing the boy to the stables with him. But once Baffert‘s career took off, he was forced to travel more for races. The long absences strained his marriage with Sherry.
After about 15 years together, Bob and Sherry called it quits and divorced in the early ‘90s. The split was difficult on 10-year-old Taylor, who suddenly had to adjust to living in two separate households.
Baffert later had two more children, daughter Canyon and son Forest, with his first wife in the years following their divorce. But due to his non-stop work schedule, he often wasn‘t around for their childhood milestones.
Though he regretted missing out on time with his older kids, Baffert continued prioritizing his bourgeoning training career over family life as he rose to prominence in the 90s. But this would change with his second marriage.
Finding Love Again with Jill Baffert
Bob met his second wife, the former Jill Barberie, through mutual friends in the late ‘90s. Sparks flew instantly between the high-profile trainer and up-and-coming sportscaster.
After dating for a couple years, Bob and Jill decided to tie the knot in 2002. In Jill, Baffert found a partner who understood his demanding career. As a broadcaster, Jill was also accustomed to the hectic lifestyle.
According to Jill, one of the things that drew her to Bob was his good humor and easygoing nature. At home, he was simply "fun-loving Bobby" in contrast to his intense, workaholic persona at the track.
The couple was a fixture at racing events and parties, with Bob glowing about his "smart, beautiful wife" to anyone who would listen. It seemed he had finally found balance in both his personal and professional life.
Balancing Fatherhood and Horse Training
Bob Baffert found more joy in fatherhood the second time around. When Jill gave birth to their son Bode in 2008, friends said the trainer was absolutely smitten. He called his new baby boy "the greatest win ever."
Three years later, the couple welcomed another son named Bodie. Baffert made sure to be home for both boys‘ births – something his hectic schedule had prevented with his older children.
Though Bob still travels frequently for work, he goes out of his way to attend Bode and Bodie‘s school events when he‘s in town. He loves teaching the boys about horses and bringing them to the track.
Jill says Bob is a patient, fun dad who insists on being hands-on when he‘s home – whether helping with homework, driving to practices, or taking the boys fishing. His face lights up when chatting about his sons.
Perspective from Baffert‘s Kids
Bob‘s three eldest children have spoken fondly of their father and his influence, despite his absences when they were young.
Taylor Baffert, now a trainer himself, says he got the horse racing bug at an early age from his dad. He feels lucky to share tips and talk shop with Bob as fellow trainers now.
Canyon has remarked, "My dad taught me to work hard chasing my dreams. Even when he wasn‘t there, I always knew he loved his family."
Bob‘s middle son Forest also followed in his footsteps as an equine professional. He credits the old Maxims his dad taught him – "No excuses. Work hard. Be patient." – with shaping him both personally and professionally.
It‘s clear from their sentiments that, despite past challenges balancing family and work, Bob inspired his children in positive ways.
Daily Life with Jill and the Boys
When Bob finally makes it home after weeks on the road, the Baffert residence springs to life. His sons Bode, 14, and Bodie, 11, clamor for their dad‘s attention. There are stories to catch up on, new skills to show off, and adventures to be had.
Wife Jill is happy to relinquish control of the household when "fun dad" is home. She cooks Bob‘s favorite pork chop dinner, they open a nice bottle of wine, and the couple reconnects after long days apart. Bob treasures these quiet moments together.
Mornings with the family are a whirlwind as Bob wrangles the boys out the door for school. He then heads to the gym – the only me-time he carves out for himself. Most afternoons you can find Bob at the boys‘ sports practices or shuttling them to music lessons.
In the evening, the Baffert family sits down for a meal together and Bob helps the boys with homework. He‘s animated as he tells funny stories about life on the road. Bob cherishes the laughter and joy of simple family time.
Quotes from Bob and Jill on Marriage
Bob and Jill Baffert have been fairly open about the continuous work required to balance family and Bob‘s demanding career. Here are some of their thoughts:
"I hate being away from Jill and the boys so much. But they understand that training horses is my passion." – Bob
"Bob makes a real effort to be home for birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. Our time together is quality over quantity." – Jill
"I try to turn my phone off and be totally present when I‘m with the family. Those moments mean everything to me." – Bob
"We have to intentionally carve out family time when Bob‘s home. But he really cherishes those special moments together." – Jill
"I‘m so grateful that Jill is understanding of my work. She supports this lifestyle because she knows how much it means to me." – Bob
Their comments reveal the constant juggling act required, but how treasured their family time is despite Bob‘s hectic schedule.
Still Going Strong After 20 Years
This past May, Bob and Jill Baffert celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary. The two are still going strong after two decades of the trainer‘s relentless travel, erratic schedule, and life in the spotlight.
For their anniversary, Bob took a rare weekend off to treat Jill to a getaway to Sedona, Arizona. The couple enjoyed scenic hikes, spa treatments, picturesque sunsets, and good conversation.
Jill posted a glowing tribute on social media thanking Bob for "Twenty years of laughter, adventures, and unconditional love." She praised him for "working so hard at being the best horse trainer AND best husband."
While Bob‘s dedication to horses hasn‘t wavered, it‘s clear he has found more balance with Jill than in his first marriage. And as their anniversary milestone demonstrated, their relationship remains loving and committed after 20 years of the ups and downs.
At the end of the day, Bob Baffert the family man and Bob Baffert the horse racing icon are inextricably intertwined. While his legendary career will always be core to his identity, his loved ones now play an equally crucial role in his world.