The Bob Baffert-trained horse was clean in the first of three additional tests
The tests were mandated after the colt tested positive for the steroid betamethasone following the Kentucky Derby
Baffert said Tuesday that he believed an ointment used to treat dermatitis was responsible for the results
He initially said Sunday that he did not know how the drug had entered the horse s system
The results of the other two tests are expected later today
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May 11, 2021
In a statement released by Hall of Fame horse trainer Bob Baffert, he alleges that Medina Spirt s positive drug test could be explained by an ointment used to treat dermatitis on the racehorse.
However, Baffert says the drug could be traced back to the ointment Otomax, which was used to treat dermatitis found in Medina Spirit. He claims that a veterinarian recommended the anti-fungal cream and was applied daily to heal the dermatitis and to stop it from spreading. Yesterday, I was informed that one of the substances in Otomax is betamethasone, Baffert said in the statement. While we do not know definitively that this was the source of the alleged 21 picograms found in Medina Spirit s positive post-race blood sample, and our investigation is continuing, I have been told by equine pharmacology experts that this could explain the results.
Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit WILL be allowed to race in this week s Preakness Stakes with extra testing as suspended trainer Bob Baffert insists antifungal steroid ointment is to blame for failed drug test
Preakness officials said they are allowing Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit to enter Saturday s race subject to additional testing and monitoring
Trainer Bob Baffert has blamed Medina Spirit s failed drug test an antifungal medication that was used to treat Medina Spirit for dermatitis
Medina Spirit and two other horses trained by the Hall of Fame trainer will be under extra scrutiny in the days leading up to the second leg of the Triple Crow
By Getty
Story at a glance Famed horse trainer Bob Baffert said his Kentucky Derby-winning horse Medina Spirit tested positive for the steroid betamethasone after the colt was given an antifungal ointment to treat dermatitis.
Medina Spirit tested positive for 21 picograms of the steroid betamethasone, which is prohibited at any level on the day of the race.
Medina Spirit will be entered in Saturday’s Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the Triple Crown, as officials await results of a second test.
Famed horse trainer Bob Baffert said his Kentucky Derby-winning horse Medina Spirit tested positive for the steroid betamethasone after the colt was given an anti-fungal ointment to treat dermatitis.