Bob Baffert returned to Churchill Downs for the first time in 3 1/2 years on Wednesday, saddling the winner in the seventh race at the home of the Kentucky Derby. Churchill Downs Inc. CEO Bill Carstanjen shook hands with the Hall of Fame trainer he once battled in court.

"To be back here, it's just enjoyable; I have great memories here at Churchill Downs, it's a historic racetrack and it just, it's a great day."

Lest anyone think the seventh race at Churchill Downs Nov. 27 was just a routine maiden race, one only needed to glance in the paddock for those in attendance. Track executives were back to welcome trainer Bob Baffert after a three-year suspension.

The 2-year-old Into Mischief colt marked Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert's first starter beneath the Twin Spires since the end of his three-year suspension by Churchill Downs Incorporated in 2021.

Zedan Racing Stables' Barnes (c, 2, Into Mischief–All American Dream, by American Pharoah), a $3.2-million FTSAUG yearling, made trainer Bob Baffert's return to Churchill Downs a winning one Wednesday when just getting his head in front of Innovator (Authentic) on the line.

Hall of Fame horse trainer Bob Baffert is returning to Churchill Downs after a three-year suspension. The six-time Kentucky Derby winning trainer will debut a two-year colt named Barnes this afternoon.

Trainer Bob Baffert, back at Churchill Downs for the first time since the end of his suspension by CDI, saddled the winner in the seventh race Wednesday.

Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning. “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.