Kentucky Derby Winner Medina Spirit Positive In Post-Race Drug Test
The winner of the 2021 Kentucky Derby has failed a drug test conducted after the race.
The result of a second test taken at the same time will determine the outcome of the Derby and the $3 million winning purse.
Horse racing has suffered from recent doping problems. One of the sport's most recognizable personalities - Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert - is under increased scrutiny.
If the second test is positive Medina Spirit will be stripped of the title - making the thoroughbred the third winning horse in the sport's 147-year history to be disqualified for doping. According to race officials, the result of the second test is expected in weeks.
The sport is expected to implement new rules under legislation. The law passed by Congress last year will take effect July 1, 2022. The Federal Trade Commission and the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency will have extended oversight over the rules and penalties of the sport.
Officials at the Churchill Downs racetrack said if Medina Spirit was disqualified, runner-up Mandaloun would be declared the winner.
Baffert and his team have been barred from entering horses in future races. Officials didn't say how long the suspension would last.
According to sources with knowledge in the matter, Medina Spirit was found to have a drug called betamethasone in its system. Betamethasone is a form of corticosteroid used to reduce pain. In a news conference Monday Baffert said neither he nor anyone else on his team had given the horse drugs.
"I was totally shocked when I heard this news. I am the most scrutinized trainer. And I am OK with that. The last thing I want to do is something that would jeopardize the greatest sport. I'm worried about the sport. This is a pretty serious accusation. We're going to get to the bottom of it. We didn't do it," Baffert said.
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