Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit tests positive for banned substance, Bob Baffert calls it ‘biggest gut punch in racing’
Baffert #Baffert
Trainer Bob Baffert said Sunday morning Medina Spirit tested positive for betamethasone after winning the Kentucky Derby on May 1 at Churchill Downs, a result that ultimately could lead to the horse’s disqualification.
Baffert disputed the positive test result of 21 picograms, saying Medina Spirit “has never been treated with betamethasone,” which is an anti-inflammatory drug.
According to Kentucky Horse Racing Commission regulations, a second positive test – called a “split sample” – is required before a horse can be disqualified.
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“Yesterday I got the biggest gut punch in racing for something that I didn’t do,” Baffert said. “It’s disturbing. It’s an injustice to the horse.”
Baffert said he still plans to enter Medina Spirit in Saturday’s Preakness at Pimlico in Baltimore.
Medina Spirit’s victory gave Baffert his seventh Kentucky Derby win, breaking a tie with Ben Jones for the most by a trainer in the race’s 147-year history.
Jason Frakes: 502-582-4046; jfrakes@courier-journal.com; Twitter: @KentuckyDerbyCJ.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit tests positive for banned substance, Bob Baffert calls it ‘biggest gut punch in racing’