This year’s Kentucky Derby winner, Medina Spirit, has reportedly failed a post-race drug test:
Breaking News: Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit failed a post-race drug test, once more putting the practices of his Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert under uncomfortable scrutiny. https://t.co/YRBVDnVR2X
— The New York Times (@nytimes) May 9, 2021
Churchill Downs suspended legendary trainer Bob Baffert from entering any races at the track until an investigation by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission is completed:
Statement from @ChurchillDowns in response to Medina Spirit's post-race @KentuckyDerby test result allegations: https://t.co/tCk4pzmdbE
— Churchill Downs PR (@DerbyMedia) May 9, 2021
From the press release:
LOUISVILLE, KY. (Sunday, May 9, 2021) – It is our understanding that Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit’s post-race blood sample indicated a violation of the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s equine medication protocols. The connections of Medina Spirit have the right to request a test of a split sample and we understand they intend to do so. To be clear, if the findings are upheld, Medina Spirit’s results in the Kentucky Derby will be invalidated and Mandaloun will be declared the winner. 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. 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.
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And the horse still could be disqualified as this year’s winner:
BREAKING: Churchill Downs says Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit could be disqualified after a positive drug test; says it has suspended trainer Bob Baffert. https://t.co/XmVZ2TBwxo
— The Associated Press (@AP) May 9, 2021
Baffert has denied any wrongdoing and called the news a “gut punch”:
Kentucky Derby winning horse Medina Spirit has tested positive for an anti-inflammatory, trainer Bob Baffert said Sunday.
Baffert denied any wrongdoing, calling the news "the biggest gut punch in racing for something I didn't do." https://t.co/mCYf6P20QM pic.twitter.com/HfF8M2cJUk
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 9, 2021
But fellow trainer H. Graham Motion offered up a harsh assessment of the news, calling the sport as it stands today “an embarrassment” and saying “we only have ourselves and the leaders of our sport to blame”:
3x Breeder's Cup winner and 2011 Kentucky Derby winner Graham Motion does not hold back after Bob Baffert's Medina Spirit fails drug test. https://t.co/XRmvqNZChr
— Pete Gilbert (@WBALPete) May 9, 2021
Former President Trump weighed in as well, calling the horse “a junky” and that the “whole world is laughing at us as we go to hell on our Borders, our fake Presidential Election, and everywhere else!”:
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