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Medina Spirit #8, ridden by jockey John Velazquez, (R) crosses the end line to win the 147th working of the Kentucky Derby forward of Mandaloun #7, ridden by Florent Geroux, and Scorching Rod Charlie #9 ridden by Flavien Prat ,at Churchill Downs on Might 01, 2021 in Louisville, Kentucky.
Jamie Squire | Getty Pictures Sport | Getty Pictures
Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit’s victory might be invalidated whether it is upheld that the champion horse failed a drug take a look at, Churchill Downs stated Sunday.
Medina Spirit’s coach Bob Baffert might be instantly suspended from coming into any horses in races at Churchill Downs’ observe “given the seriousness of the alleged offense,” stated the assertion from the corporate that runs the Derby.
“Failure to adjust to the principles and drugs protocols jeopardizes the security of the horses and jockeys, the integrity of our sport and the popularity of the Kentucky Derby and all who take part. Churchill Downs won’t tolerate it,” the press launch stated.
If the discovering is upheld, runner-up Mandaloun might be declared the winner of the race, Churchill Downs stated.
Baffert on Sunday morning denied any wrongdoing. He revealed at a information convention that Medina Spirit in a post-race take a look at was discovered to have 21 picograms of the steroid betamethasone, twice the authorized threshold, in its system.
“I acquired the most important gut-punch in racing, for one thing I did not do,” Baffert stated.
Simply two different horses within the 147-year historical past of the Kentucky Derby have been disqualified, in line with the Related Press.
“It’s our understanding that Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit’s post-race blood pattern indicated a violation of the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s equine medicine protocols,” Churchill Downs’ press launch stated.
“The connections of Medina Spirit have the best to request a take a look at of a break up pattern and we perceive they intend to take action,” the corporate stated.
“We are going to await the conclusion of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commissions’ investigation earlier than taking additional steps.”
With reporting from the Related Press.
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