2021 Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit returns positive drug test.

[Bluegrasscard]

A very interesting podcast discussing the Derby situation but also the overall safety and integrity of racing. 

One thing that was enlightening in this podcast was that Churchill Downs and Jefferson County police supposedly implemented close monitoring of the Derby participate horses. 

The part specific to Derby is in first 20 minutes of this over 1 hour podcast.  This provides good insight into the situation in more detail that quick new articles. 

https://pastthewire.com/betamethasone-the-kentucky-derby-and-what-does-it-mean-with-dr-kathryn-papp/

 

 

 

[Bluegrasscard]

More on Churchill Downs/JCP security and monitoring. 

Before listing some of the things supposedly done.  Lets review Baffert's second statement - from CWB post above: 

My barn followed this recommendation and Medina Spirit was treated with Otomax once a day up until the day before the Kentucky Derby.

So a veternary-required treatment that clearly, overtly contains the name of the banned substance on its external box was applied to Medina Spirit while at Churchill Downs during the week of the Derby.  Baffert admits it and states it. 

Actions supposedly taken by Churchill Downs and JCP:

 

 

https://www.paulickreport.com/news/the-biz/churchill-downs-details-enhanced-security-safety-and-integrity-measures/

Churchill Downs and 14 KHRC veterinarians will closely monitor and observe Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks participants before, during and after training and in their stalls beginning on Monday, April 26;

Horses participating in the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby shall be on the grounds no later than 11 a.m. ET on Monday, April 26, and Tuesday, April 27, respectively – more than 100 hours before each race – and shall remain on the grounds until after the running of the race, pending an unforeseeable emergency;

Kentucky Derby participants will have 24-hour barn security by Jefferson County Sheriffs starting at 11 a.m. ET on Tuesday, April 27, through 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 1;

Specific to Medication: 

• Daily veterinarian's record of all medications and treatments given to any horse on the grounds must be submitted to the KHRC Chief Veterinarian within 24 hours of administration;
• All practicing veterinarians of Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks horses will be identified by KHRC no later than 11 a.m. on Sunday, April 25;
• Security personnel will monitor all treatments performed by veterinarians. Materials used for medication administrations may be retained by the KHRC for possible testing;
• Veterinarians will not be permitted in the stalls of Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks participants within 24 hours of the race unless accompanied by a KHRC investigator;
• No medications are permitted within 24 hours of the race. In the event of a medical emergency, the Stewards will authorize treatment and the horse will be scratched; and

 

So, if all the above was done - what happened?

[theguru]

The second test came back positive too, cheater.

[Colonels_Wear_Blue]

5 hours ago, theguru said:

The second test came back positive too, cheater.

Baffert has been banned from all Churchill-owned racetracks for 2 years. The disqualification of Medina Spirit as the 147th derby winner is pending the conclusion of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission's investigation.