Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit fails the drug test; runner-up Mandaloun could be stated the winner.

Medina Spirit, the horse that won the 2021 Kentucky Derby, has failed a drug test. Its Hall of Popularity trainer, Bob Baffert, has been forever suspended from Churchill Downs.

In a Sunday press conference (through Lexington, Ky.), Baffert said Medina Spirit returned a favorable test for 21 picograms of betamethasone, a Class C substance abuse as an anti-inflammatory. The legal racing limitation is ten picograms.

Baffert declared to have no concept how Medina Spirit returned a positive test favorably. He included that he would battle the subsequent judgment, calling it “a complete oppression.”

” The other day, I got the greatest gut type racing for something I didn’t do,” Baffert stated. “It’s disturbing. It’s an oppression for the horse.”

Quickly following Baffert’s press conference, Churchill Downs released a statement announcing Baffert’s suspension. The organization also added that ought to second test validates it will revoke the first, Medina Sprit’s outcome. Runner-up Mandaloun will be the stated winner of the 2021 Derby.

” It is our understanding that Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit’s post-race blood sample suggested an infraction of the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s equine medication protocols. The connections of Medina Spirit have the right to ask for a test of a split sample, and we comprehend they mean to do so. To be clear, if the findings are maintained, The verification will invalidate medina Spirit’s lead to the Kentucky Derby, and Mandaloun will be stated the winner.

Failure to comply with the guidelines and medication protocols endangers the security of the jockeys and horses, the stability of our sport, and the reputation of the Kentucky Derby and all who take part. Churchill Downs will not tolerate it. Offered the severity of the alleged offense, Churchill Downs will immediately suspend Bob Baffert, the fitness instructor of Medina Spirit, from getting in any horses at Churchill Downs Racetrack. We will wait for the conclusion of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commissions’ investigation before taking additional actions.”

Baffert said Medina Spirit would run in the next leg of the Triple Crown, The Preakness. It’s arranged to take place Saturday at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore.