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Bob Baffert (center) with jockey John Velazquez on Medina Spirit after winning the 147th Kentucky Derby
Photo:
JASON SZENES / imago images / UPI Photo
The stallion Medina Spirit tested positive for a prohibited substance after winning the 147th Kentucky Derby.
This was announced by Bob Baffert, the horse's trainer, at a press conference on Sunday.
Medina Spirit could subsequently be disqualified and lose success in the classic gallop.
Betamethasone, an anti-inflammatory steroid, which can be administered for the last time at least 14 days before a race, has been proven in Medina Spirit.
Baffert made it clear in Louisville (Kentucky) that he had not given the stallion the remedy.
He wanted to have the test result checked.
"I took the biggest blow in racing for something I didn't do," Baffert said.
According to the Reuters news agency and the New York Times, Medina Spirit would only be disqualified after a second positive test, which is not yet available.
Until the investigation was completed, the Churchill Downs racetrack, where the Kentucky Derby takes place, banned all horses trained by Baffert from starting, according to a statement.
Just last month, Baffert successfully appealed a 15-day suspension by the Arkansas Racing Commission after two of his horses tested positive for a prohibited substance.
Baffert paid a fine instead.
For the 68-year-old coach, it was the seventh win of the Kentucky Derby, making him the sole record holder.
The only derby winner so far who has been suspended from the race because of prohibited substances was Dancers Image - 1968. After Maximum Security 2019's victory was denied after the handicap of competitors, Medina Spirit would be the third winning horse in the 147-year history of the derby, that would be subsequently disqualified.
ngo / sid / Reuters / AP