Bob Baffert wins at Barnes Churchill Downs: Watch Kentucky Derby 2025

America’s most famous thoroughbred trainer returned to America’s most famous racetrack after a 3-and-a-half-year absence and found himself among the winners again.

Bob Baffertsix-time winner Kentucky Derbyhe was back Churchill Downs while saddled up on wednesday Barnes In the seventh race of the day.

With a $3.2 million purchase, the 2-year-old Barnes broke back to win his first race by outlasting the Wayne Lukas-trained Innovator and stamping himself as one of the race’s early contenders. 2025 Kentucky Derby.

“It’s fun to be back here,” Baffert said. “I have great memories at Churchill Downs. It’s a historic racetrack and it’s a great day. A great day. … Winning was the most important thing.”

It was a triumphant return to Churchill Downs for the 71-year-old Baffert, who was suspended for more than three years.

Baffert looks set for his seventh Kentucky Derby victory of 2021 Medina Spirit first crossed the finish line. eight days later Baffert announced that Medina Spirit tested positive for betamethasoneThis triggered a whirlwind of suspensions, fines and lawsuits, resulting in the horse’s eventual disqualification from his Kentucky Derby victory.

In June 2021, Churchill Downs announced Baffert’s two-year suspension through the 2023 Spring Meeting. In July 2023, Churchill announced that Baffert’s sentence had been extended until the end of 2024.

But last July Churchill announces Baffert’s sentence has been lifted After Coach Medina took responsibility for Spirit’s positive doping test.

“We are pleased that Mr. Baffert has taken responsibility for his actions, completed a significant sentence, and is committed to full compliance with rules and regulations moving forward,” Churchill Downs CEO Bill Carstanjen said in announcing the end of Baffert’s suspension. “All parties agree that it is time to end this chapter and focus on the future.”

Carstanjen was one of several spectators who congratulated Baffert and hugged the coach after the race.

Because of Baffert’s popularity, many media members were there on the cool, gray Wednesday afternoon.

“I’ve never had this much attention on a girl,” Baffert said with a laugh.

Barnes looks to have a bright future after winning Wednesday’s $120,000 debut race. Barnes is a son of Into Mischief out of the American Pharoah mare All American Dream. He is owned by Zedan Racing Stables, which also owns Medina Spirit.

Barnes is named after Baffert’s longtime assistant coach, Jimmy Barnes.

It was a rare trip to Kentucky for a 2-year-old Baffert boy in November, but the trainer said he wanted to stop in Louisville while his wife, Jill, was on her way to Centerville, Tennessee, for Thanksgiving vacation with her family.

“I wanted to come back here with a good horse, who will gain a lot of experience,” Baffert said. “He flew here. He crossed the ground well. “He handled everything very well.”

Ridden by Martin Garcia, Barnes covered the 5 ½ distance in 1:02.97 and paid $2.68 to win as the 1-5 favorite.

Baffert and Lukas stood together as they watched the race on the video board in the paddock.

“I’m glad to see him back,” Lukas said. “He beat me, but I’m still glad to see him back.”

Barnes became the first Baffert trainee to race at Churchill Downs since May 8, 2021, when Crystal Ball won the optional claims race to a $104,000 allowance. The next day, from his warehouse in the back of Churchill Downs, Baffert announced that Medina Spirit had tested positive for drugs.

Churchill Downs has undergone significant renovations since 2021, including a new $200 million paddock that opened last April.

Baffert called the renovations “incredible” and said he’s ready to put the suspensions behind him and is eyeing a possible return to Churchill Downs for the 2025 Kentucky Derby.

“I thought I would come back here eventually,” Baffert said. “He’s behind me now. “There’s water under the bridge.”

Jason Frakes: 502-582-4046; [email protected]. X Follow @KentuckyDerbyCJ.

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