Trainer Bob Baffert wins first race at Churchill Downs after 3-year suspension

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Bob Baffert returned to Churchill Downs for the first time in 3 1/2 years on Wednesday, riding the winner of the seventh race at home of the Kentucky Derby.

Churchill Downs Inc. CEO Bill Carstanjen shook hands with the Hall of Fame trainer he once fought with in court. In 2021, Baffert began the enforcement of an ultimately three-year ban by the CDI. It ended in July when Baffert took responsibility for a failed doping test by one of his horses.

Baffert watched Barnes go head-to-head for the first time in his career with a horse trained by Hall of Famer D. Wayne Lukas. The $3.2 million colt is named after Baffert’s longtime assistant Jimmy Barnes.

Baffert won the Kentucky Derby a record six times. His horse, Medina Spirit, crossed the finish line first in 2021 but was later disqualified for failing a post-race doping test, preventing Baffert from claiming a seventh victory.

The DQ led to multiple lawsuits filed by Baffert. Medina Spirit’s failed test and other drug violations led the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission to fine Baffert and suspend him for 90 days; this was a ban that was also implemented at other tracks around the country.

But on Wednesday, all that was put aside.

Barnes could be Baffert’s challenger in next year’s Kentucky Derby.