Trainer Bob Baffert with Justify the morning after the Scat Daddy colt won the 2018 Preakness
In the wake of an announcement by trainer Bob Baffert that Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit has had a post-race positive test for betamethasone, 1/ST Racing and the Maryland Jockey Club released the following statement regarding the status of the horse’s entry in Saturday’s Preakness.
Churchill Downs Inc. announced earlier in the day that it was immediately suspending Baffert’s ability to enter horses at the Louisville, Ky. facility.
Read more about Baffert’s announcement regarding Medina Spirit here.
“Integrity in the sport of Thoroughbred horse racing is the ultimate priority for 1/ST RACING and the Maryland Jockey Club (MJC). 1/ST RACING has been an industry leader instituting processes and protocols that have led to nationwide medication reform and increased accountability. We are committed to achieving the highest level of horse care and safety standards, and we have a proven track record of pushing those standards forward.
“1/ST RACING and MJC intend to review the relevant facts and information relating to the reported medication positive as a result of the post-race blood sample testing completed by Churchill Downs following the 147th Kentucky Derby involving Medina Spirit trained by Bob Baffert. We are consulting with the Maryland Racing Commission and any decision regarding the entry of Medina Spirit in the 146th Preakness Stakes will be made after review of the facts.”
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