Bob Baffert, for first time since ’21 Kentucky Derby, has horse entered at Churchill Downs
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Courier Journal
For the first time since the disputed 2021 Kentucky Derby, Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert has a horse entered in a race at Churchill Downs.
Barnes, named after Baffert’s longtime assistant Jimmy Barnes, is entered in a 5 ½-furlong maiden special weight next Wednesday at Churchill Downs. It’s the seventh race of the day, with a post time of 3:55 p.m.
Baffert has not been allowed to enter a horse at Churchill Downs since the 2021 Kentucky Derby, when Medina Spirit crossed the finish line first.
Medina Spirit ultimately was disqualified after testing positive for betamethasone, and Baffert received a two-year suspension from Churchill Downs.
In July 2023, Churchill Downs announced an extension of Baffert’s suspension through the 2024 calendar year. Four months ago, Churchill announced it was lifting its suspension after Baffert issued a statement in which he took responsibility for Medina Spirit’s failed drug test.
“We are satisfied that Mr. Baffert has taken responsibility for his actions, completed a substantial penalty and is committed to running in full compliance with the rules and regulations going forward,” Churchill Downs CEO Bill Carstanjen said in a news release. “All parties agree that it is time to bring this chapter to a close and focus on the future.”
Barnes is scheduled to make his racing debut next Wednesday. A $3.2 million purchase as a yearling, Barnes is a son of Into Mischief out of the American Pharoah mare All American Dream. Barnes is owned by Zedan Racing Stables — which also owned Medina Spirit — and will be ridden by Martin Garcia.
Baffert also trains Citizen Bull, which won the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Del Mar earlier this month, making him a top hopeful for the 2025 Kentucky Derby.
Jason Frakes: 502-582-4046; jfrakes@courier-journal.com. Follow on X @KentuckyDerbyCJ.
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