Medina Spirit, the Kentucky Derby-winning horse that failed a steroid drug test over the weekend, will be permitted to race in the Preakness Stakes on Saturday.
The colt will race so long as trainer Bob Baffert commits to “full transparency of medical testing results” and releases outcomes to the public when they become available, the Maryland Jockey Club announced Tuesday.
Baffert has been further ordered to “scratch” any of his three horses if they “test positive for a banned substance.”
Medina Spirit tested positive for 21 picograms of betamethasone, a steroid, prompting Churchill Downs executives to suspend Baffert, whose past skills landed him in the Hall of Fame. The horse took first place at the Kentucky Derby on May 1.
MEDINA SPIRIT MAY HAVE FAILED DRUG TEST DUE TO STEROIDS IN MEDICATION, TRAINER SAYS
Medina Spirit’s positive test does not immediately nullify the horse’s victory, nor does it bar him from competing in future races for the time being. A final decision on the matter will be released after Churchill Downs collects another sample.
Medina Spirit was given the medication, which contained the steroid betamethasone, for dermatitis once a day prior to the race, Baffert said Tuesday through his attorney, Craig Robertson.
“My investigation is continuing, and we do not know for sure if this ointment was the cause of the test results, or if the test results are even accurate, as they have yet to be confirmed by the split sample,” Baffert said, according to the Associated Press. “I have been told that a finding of a small amount, such as 21 picograms, could be consistent with application of this type of ointment.”
Baffert, who on Sunday said he didn’t know the origin of the steroids, said the accusations were a “gut punch.”
“Yesterday, I got the biggest gut punch in racing for something I didn’t do. It’s disturbing. It’s an injustice for the horse,” Baffert said.
The racing organization defended its choice to suspend Baffert indefinitely over the test results.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
“Failure to comply with the rules and medication protocols jeopardizes the safety of the horses and jockeys, the integrity of our sport and the reputation of the Kentucky Derby and all who participate. Churchill Downs will not tolerate it,” the group said in a statement. “Given the seriousness of the alleged offense, Churchill Downs will immediately suspend Bob Baffert, the trainer of Medina Spirit, from entering any horses at Churchill Downs Racetrack. We will await the conclusion of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commissions’ investigation before taking further steps.”
The 146th Preakness Stakes will take place in Baltimore, Maryland. The event, which is held at the Pimlico Race Course, takes place annually in mid-May.
