LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert is returning to Churchill Downs for the first time since May 2021 after serving more than a three-year suspension. 

Baffert will race Barnes in the seventh race at Churchill Wednesday, Nov. 27. Named after his longtime assistant Jimmy Barnes, Barnes was a $3.2 million purchase by Amr Zedan of Zedan Racing Stables from Fasig-Tipton’s The Saratoga Sale in 2023, according to thoroughbred industry publication BloodHorse. 

Baffert last’s race at Churchill Downs was Kentucky Derby 147, when he raced Medina Spirit. The now-deceased colt finished first in that year’s race before being disqualified because postrace test results showed a presence of betamethasone, a steroid prohibited in Kentucky. Churchill Downs later elevated runner-up Mandaloun to Derby winner. 

Track operator Churchill Downs Inc. then suspended Baffert from running horses at its tracks. The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission also gave Baffert a 90-day suspension at tracks across the country, in addition to a $7,500 fine. Baffert frequently criticized CDI’s ban and had unsuccessfully sued the track before it rescinded the suspension this past July.

In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Baffert accepted full responsibility and acknowledged he had paid a “very steep price” with the suspension and disqualification while assuming responsibility for substances in any horses that he trains. He also said he appreciated that the track and the KHRC enforced the rules he believed necessary to protect the safety and integrity of horse racing and the Derby’s reputation.

“My family and I want to put this behind us and get back to doing what we love to do without anymore distraction or negativity,” Baffert said. “I very much look forward to returning to Churchill Downs and getting back to the Winner’s Circle.”

Baffert is a six-time Derby winner and recently ran 1-2 in the Nov. 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Del Mar with Citizen Bull and Gaming. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.