Medina Spirit officially disqualified from 2021 Kentucky Derby win
It is now official. The late Medina Spirit has been disqualified from the 2021 Kentucky Derby and all purse money shall be forfeited from the 2021 Kentucky Derby. Bob Baffert has been suspended 90 days and fined $7,500.
Kentucky stewards on Monday disqualified Zedan Racing Stables' Medina Spirit from the victory in the May 1, 2021, Derby at Churchill Downs after a post-race test (and split sample) indicated the presence of the corticosteroid betamethasone, prohibited at any level on race day in the state. Medina Spirit's Racing Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert was suspended for 90 days and fined $7,500. The suspension, pending an appeal, will span March 8 through June 5.
Baffert attorney Craig Robertson said an "immediate appeal" will be filed.
"I am very disappointed in the ruling," Robertson said. "It runs contrary to the scientifically proven facts in this case and the rules of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission."
Medina Spirit's post-Derby test marked the fifth time a Baffert-trained horse tested positive for prohibited medications in exactly a year's time. Baffert was penalized following the four previous failed post-race drug tests, a stretch that started May 2, 2020, but they did not include suspension days, only fines.
Medina Spirit died after a Dec. 6 workout at Santa Anita Park.
He deserved better.
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