Medina Spirit stripped of Kentucky Derby title

Medina Spirit stripped of Kentucky Derby title

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Medina Spirit was stripped of the 2021 Kentucky Derby acquire around a positive drug check that was exposed immediately after the race, the Kentucky Horse Racing Fee (KHRC) Board of Stewards declared Monday.

Officials declared Mandaloun the race winner.

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John Velazquez riding Medina Spirit crosses the finish line to win the 147th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, May 1, 2021.

John Velazquez riding Medina Spirit crosses the complete line to win the 147th working of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, May 1, 2021.
(AP Image/Jeff Roberson, File)

Medina Spirit experienced gained the Kentucky Derby final Could, but a failed drug test set the victory in problem and led to the suspension of trainer Bob Baffert. The horse was discovered to have tested constructive for 21 picograms of betamethasone, which is permitted except it is identified in the horse’s blood on race day.

Baffert described on May well 11 that 21 picograms of betamethasone in the post-race Derby sample might have occur from a fungal ointment meant to address dermatitis. But there was a discussion in excess of whether the betamethasone came from a topical ointment or an injection.

KENTUCKY DERBY WINNER MEDINA SPIRIT DIES Out of the blue AT SANTA ANITA PARK

Kentucky Derby hopeful Medina Spirit works out at Churchill Downs on April 27, 2021, in Louisville, Kentucky.

Kentucky Derby hopeful Medina Spirit performs out at Churchill Downs on April 27, 2021, in Louisville, Kentucky.
(AP Photograph/Charlie Riedel)

The Board of Stewards on Monday identified there was a violation.

As aspect of the ruling, Baffert was suspended for 90 times and fined $7,500.

Clark Brewster, Baffert’s legal professional, released a statement on the ruling.

“We are unhappy by the Commission’s ruling, but not astonished. This ruling signifies an egregious departure from equally the info and the legislation, but the numerous general public statements by KHRC officials over the last numerous months have created beautifully apparent that Bob Baffert’s destiny was determined right before we at any time sat down for a listening to prior to the a few stewards, 1 of whom is specifically employed by Churchill Downs as the racing director at Turfway Park. We will attraction, and we will prevail when the specifics and policies are introduced to detached, neutral decisionmakers,” the assertion read.

The thoroughbred died in December after a work out at Santa Anita Park in California.

Owner Amr Zedan told Thoroughbred Everyday News the horse experienced an obvious coronary heart attack immediately after a work out. California Horse Racing Board equine health-related director Jeff Blea explained to the site he observed a movie of the training and it appeared the colt experienced difficulty respiratory.

Bob Baffert spoke with the media the day after his seventh victory in the Kentucky Derby, with Medina Spirit. May 2, 2021.

Bob Baffert spoke with the media the working day right after his seventh victory in the Kentucky Derby, with Medina Spirit. May 2, 2021.
(Reuters)

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Blea said by the time a veterinarian arrived at Medina Spirit, the horse had currently died. Santa Anita spokesman Mike Willman also verified the horse’s loss of life.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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