What Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit’s second positive drug test means for Bob Baffert

Medina Spirit may no longer be the winner of the Kentucky Derby.

The Bob Baffert-trained horse had tested positive for a banned substance shortly after the Derby took place, but the decision was appealed. As a result, the colt’s sample was re-tested in a lab chosen by Baffert. Once again, it was positive for betamethasone, a steroid that is used to reduce inflammation.

Why this matters: Medina Spirit now faces disqualification from the Kentucky Derby as a result of this positive test.

What they’re saying: Clark Brewster, a lawyer who represents Medina Spirit’s owner, hopes that the intent of the potential contamination, which Baffert previously said came from an anti-fungal cream applied to the horse, is considered when discussing potential punishment for the horse.

What comes next: An official ruling on Medina Spirit’s status as it relates to the 2021 Kentucky Derby should be incoming soon.

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