Bob Baffert victorious in Churchill Downs return: Barnes early Kentucky Derby contender

Posted by Admin November 27, 2024 Horse Racing

After a 3 ½-year absence, America’s most famous thoroughbred trainer returned to America’s most famous racetrack and found himself right back in the winner’s circle.

Bob Baffert, six-time winner of the Kentucky Derby, was back at Churchill Downs on Wednesday as he saddled Barnes in the day’s seventh race.

A $3.2 million purchase, the 2-year-old Barnes rallied down the stretch to win his racing debut by a nose over Wayne Lukas-trained Innovator and stamped himself an early contender for the 2025 Kentucky Derby.

“To be back here, it’s just enjoyable,” Baffert said. “I have great memories here at Churchill Downs. It’s an historic racetrack, and it’s a great day. It’s a glorious day. … To win it was the cherry on top.”

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

Baffert appeared to have captured his seventh Kentucky Derby victory in 2021 when Medina Spirit crossed the finish line first. Eight days later Baffert announced Medina Spirit had tested positive for betamethasone, setting off a whirlwind of suspensions, fines and court cases and the ultimate disqualification of the horse’s Kentucky Derby victory.

In June of 2021, Churchill Downs announced a two-year suspension of Baffert through the 2023 Spring Meet. In July of 2023, Churchill announced the extension of Baffert’s suspension through the end of 2024.

But last July, Churchill announced it was lifting its suspension of Baffert after the trainer took responsibility for Medina Spirit’s positive 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 announcing the end of Baffert’s suspension. “All parties agree that it is time to bring this chapter to a close and focus on the future.”

Carstanjen was one of several onlookers to congratulate Baffert after the race, giving the trainer a hug.

Owing to Baffert’s popularity, several media members were on hand on the cool, gray Wednesday afternoon.

“Never got this much attention for a maiden,” Baffert said with a laugh.

Barnes appears to have a bright future after dominating Wednesday’s $120,000 maiden 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 owned Medina Spirit.

Barnes is named for Jimmy Barnes, Baffert’s longtime assistant trainer.

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

“I wanted to come back here with a good horse, and he’ll get a lot of experience,” Baffert said. “He flew here. He got over the ground well. He handled everything really well.”

Ridden by Martin Garcia, Barnes covered the 5 ½ furlongs 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 videoboard in the paddock.

“I’m glad to see him back,” Lukas said. “He just 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 a $104,000 allowance optional claiming race. The next day, from his barn on the Churchill Downs backside, Baffert announced Medina Spirit’s positive drug test.

Since 2021, Churchill Downs has undergone significant renovations, including a new $200 million paddock that was unveiled last April.

Baffert called the renovations “unbelievable” and said he’s ready to move on from the suspensions, eyeing a possible return to Churchill Downs for the 2025 Kentucky Derby.

“I thought eventually I’d get back here,” Baffert said. “It’s behind me now. It’s water under the bridge.”

Jason Frakes: 502-582-4046; jfrakes@courier-journal.com. Follow on X @KentuckyDerbyCJ.