Medina Spirit Tests Positive

Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit  has tested positive for the corticosteroid betamethasone and faces possible disqualification from the May 1 race at Churchill Downs.

Trainer Bob Baffert has been suspended by Churchill from entering any horses at the Louisville track, pending the conclusion of an investigation by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.

Baffert, which broke the news in a press conference held at Churchill Sunday morning accompanied by his attorney, W. Craig Robertson III, said Medina Spirit tested positive for 21 picograms of betamethasone.

“All I can tell you is that betamethasone—even though it is an allowed drug, a therapeutic medication, we did not give it. In fact, Medina Spirit has never been treated with betamethasone,” Baffert said Sunday. “We’re going to do our own investigation, we’re going to be transparent with the racing commission like we’ve always been. This horse was never treated with that.”

Betamethasone is a Class C drug that is allowed in Kentucky as a therapeutic. However, state rules require at least a 14-day withdrawal time and any level of detection on race day is a violation.

Pimlico Race Course where the Preakness is held said in a statement: “ We intend to review the relevant facts and information relating to the reported medication positive as a result of the post-race blood sample testing completed by Churchill Downs following the 147th Kentucky Derby involving Medina Spirit trained by Bob Baffert. We are consulting with the Maryland Racing Commission and any decision regarding the entry of Medina Spirit in the 146th Preakness Stakes will be made after review of the facts.”