W. Craig Robertson III, attorney for thoroughbred trainer Bob Baffert, confirmed the news that the second split of Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit blood sample tested positive for betamethasone. Betamethasone is a corticosteroid that is not allowed in horses racing in Kentucky on a race day. Bob Baffert is standing by his statement that Medina Spirit was treated for dermatitis with the topical cream Otomax, which was recommended by his veterinarian in California. According to barn records, the colt was treated with this ointment daily from the day after the Santa Anita Derby until the day before the Kentucky Derby. It is claimed that Baffert and his barn staff were not aware that Otomax contained betamethasone.
With this information in the open, Churchill Downs Incorporated has suspended Bob Baffert's training and racing privileges at their tracks for 2 years - through the end of Spring racing in 2023. CDI stated that Bob Baffert trainees have tested positive five times for illegal substances since 2 May 2020, and that was a major cause of concern for them. Bill Carstanjen, the CEO of CDI, stated: "CDI has consistently advocated for strict medication regulations so that we can confidently ensure that horses are fit to race and the races are conducted fairly. Reckless practices and substance violations that jeopardize the safety of our equine and human athletes or compromise the integrity of our sport are not acceptable and as a company we must take measures to demonstrate that they will not be tolerated. Mr. Baffert's record of testing failures threatens public confidence in Thoroughbred racing and the reputation of the Kentucky Derby. Given these repeated failures over the last year, including the increasingly extraordinary explanations, we firmly believe that asserting our rights to impose these measures is our duty and responsibility."
Medina Spirit at right, leads Mandaloun across the finish line at the
2021 Kentucky Derby. Now Mandaloun may be declared the winner.
If the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) accepts these findings, the winner of the Kentucky Derby will be announced as Mandaloun, with all other finishers moved up one place, and Medina Spirit placed last for the drug disqualification.
The KHRC has the sole authority to disqualify Medina Spirit as the winner of the Kentucky Derby, and it is pursuing the completion of its own investigation of the drug test matter in accordance with its own rules and regulations. Following today's confirmation of the failed test, the stewards will schedule a hearing at which attorneys will be permitted to present information connected to the case. Chief state steward Barbara Borden could not be reached for comment regarding the scheduling of the hearing.
If Medina Spirit's win is overturned due to the drug test, he will be only the second "winner" of the Kentucky Derby disqualified for an illicit drug. Dancer's Image was disqualified in 1968 after testing positive for "bute" - phenylbutazone - an anti-inflammatory medication.
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