Bob Baffert returned to Churchill Downs for the first time in 3½ 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."

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.

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.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) - Hall of Fame horse trainer Bob Baffert is back under the Twin Spires at Churchill Downs. Baffert’s 2-year-old horse, Barnes, was victorious on Wednesday, Nov. 27 after winning the seventh race.

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' 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.

Bob Baffert set foot inside Churchill Downs for the first time since 2021 on Wednesday, and like anyone else, he needed a tour of the place

Tony Pollard and Bucky Irving are among UPI senior sports writer Alex Butler's four must-start fantasy football running backs for Week 13. A federal judge denied emergency injunctive relief despite complaints from competitors who object to the Spartans player's participation on the grounds that she is transgender.