Bob Baffert, the renowned six-time Kentucky Derby-winning trainer, has made a significant comeback. After being banned from Churchill Downs since Medina Spirit was disqualified for a failed dope test in 2021, he was on hand at the famous venue on Wednesday [Nov 27]. His first runner there since the ban ended, Barnes, a two-year-old debutant, won the seventh race, a maiden race, beating D Wayne Lukas-trained Innovator. Churchill Downs Inc. CEO Bill Carstanjen welcomed Baffert back into the winner's circle. Baffert expressed, "It was just nice to be back in the swing of things, and in Kentucky, horse racing is huge right now because of the purses. The best horses are here in Kentucky and I knew if I'm to kind of come here, I'm going to bring a really serious two-year-old and I did."

Bob Baffert's Return Brings Excitement to Churchill Downs

Bob Baffert back with a winner at Churchill Downs

The return of Bob Baffert to Churchill Downs is a major event in the world of horse racing. His presence at the venue after a long ban has generated a lot of buzz. Barnes, his two-year-old debutant, showed great promise by winning the seventh race. This victory not only marks Baffert's comeback but also highlights the talent and potential of the horses at Churchill Downs. The race was a testament to Baffert's expertise and his ability to train winning horses. It is a sign that he is back in the game and ready to make his mark once again.

Baffert's words about being back in the swing of things and the importance of Kentucky's horse racing scene due to the purses add another layer to his return. It shows that he is committed to bringing his best to the track and competing with the best horses in the country. The success of Barnes is a promising start for Baffert and his team, and it will be interesting to see what the future holds for him at Churchill Downs.

Kentucky Derby hero Mystik Dan in line for Malibu Stakes

Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan is now in line for a surprise possible target in the G1 Malibu Stakes at Santa Anita on December 26. Mystik Dan has been unseen since an unplaced effort in the Belmont Stakes and is currently breezing at Fair Grounds with the rest of the Ken McPeek string. McPeek stated, "He's been in a Saturday schedule, and right now it looks like he may be pointed towards the Malibu. He's thrived, and it gives us another month before there's that race, almost five weeks." This news has sparked excitement among racing fans as they look forward to seeing Mystik Dan back in action.

The Malibu Stakes could be a great opportunity for Mystik Dan to showcase his skills and build on his Kentucky Derby success. The race over seven furlongs at Santa Anita will provide a different challenge for him, and it will be interesting to see how he performs. With McPeek's confidence in him and the additional time for training, Mystik Dan has the potential to make a strong showing in the Malibu Stakes. It will be a race to watch as he makes his comeback on the track.

Arc debate: Goliath owner John Stewart calls for geldings to be permitted

Resolute Racing supremo John Stewart has issued a plea to France Galop to permit geldings to run in Europe's richest race, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. King George winner Goliath, now owned by Stewart in partnership with Baron Philip von Ullmann, was barred from the Qatar-sponsored showpiece as it is not open to geldings. Stewart renewed his call as he outlined an international campaign next year for Goliath, who finished best of three European visitors when sixth behind Do Deuce in the Japan Cup on Sunday [Nov 24].

Stewart's call for geldings to be allowed in the Arc de Triomphe is a significant one. He believes that horse racing enthusiasts deserve to witness the finest equine talent on the grandest platforms, and excluding exceptional horses simply due to being gelded is inconsistent. His international campaign for Goliath shows his determination to fight for the rights of geldings in European racing. It remains to be seen if France Galop will listen to his plea and make a change in the rules.

Prize-money cuts at Santa Anita

Purses have been cut at Santa Anita for the showpiece winter-spring meet, from Dec 26 to April 6, with 11 stakes eliminated from the programme. Total prize-money has been reduced by $1.675m compared to the 2023-24 meet. The Santa Anita Derby, the venue's premier Kentucky Derby prep, is down to $500,000 from $750,000, and the storied Santa Anita Handicap will carry a purse of only $300,000, the lowest figure since $300,000. The G2 San Antonio, on the opening day card, has been renamed in honor of Laffit Pincay.

The prize-money cuts at Santa Anita have raised concerns among the racing community. These cuts will have an impact on the trainers, jockeys, and owners who rely on these stakes to make a living. It is a challenging time for Santa Anita as they try to manage their finances while still providing a competitive racing environment. The renaming of the G2 San Antonio in honor of Laffit Pincay is a nice tribute to a legendary jockey, but it does not address the issue of the prize-money cuts.

Golden Slipper favourite drowns in tragic accident

Leading two-year-old King Kirk, the early favourite for the Golden Slipper, has drowned in a freak swimming-pool accident at Randwick racecourse. Trained by Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott, the juvenile became market leader for the world's richest two-year-old race when scoring last month in G3 company. The stable stated, "King Kirk was routinely swimming … when he panicked, causing him to swallow a significant amount of water. Despite the efforts by his handlers, ATC (Australian Turf Club), staff and veterinarians, he sadly could not be saved." This tragic accident is a sad loss for the racing community.

King Kirk's sudden death is a reminder of the risks involved in horse racing. Even the most promising horses can face unexpected tragedies. The efforts of the handlers, ATC staff, and veterinarians to save him show the care and dedication within the racing industry. It is a difficult time for those involved with King Kirk, and their thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.

Female auctioneer breaks new ground at Tattersalls

A small slice of history was created this week at Tattersalls in Newmarket when Shirley Anderson-Jolag became the first woman to conduct a bloodstock auction in the UK. Anderson-Jolag, who has worked at Tattersals since 2015, took the gavel at the Tattersalls December Foal Sale at their Park Paddocks complex for the sale of five lots on Tuesday [Nov 26]. She will return to the rostrum on Saturday for a stint on the last day of foals.

Anderson-Jolag's achievement is a significant milestone for women in the bloodstock industry. Her success shows that women are capable of excelling in traditionally male-dominated fields. Her words about hoping it will become the norm in five years and her concern for other women coming through highlight the importance of her role as a trailblazer. It is a positive step forward for gender equality in the racing world.