Baffert's forces returned to Churchill Downs after being banished with an exciting, photo finish victory in a Wednesday allowance race. Barnes, an Into Mischief colt owned by Baffert loyalist Amr Zedan and named for the trainer's trusted traveling assistant, wore down pacesetting Innovator in the final sixteenth to win by a nose.

Churchill Downs Inc. CEO Bill Carstanjen shook hands with the Hall of Fame trainer he once battled in court. In 2021, Baffert began serving what was ultimately a three-year ban by CDI. It ended in July, with Baffert taking responsibility for a failed drug test by one of his horses.

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"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.

Zedan Racing Stables’ $3.2 million unraced 2-year-old colt, Barnes, is set to make his debut next Wednesday at Churchill Downs in a 5 ½-furlong maiden special weight contest for trainer Bob Baffert. This would mark Baffert’s first start 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.

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.

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.