Print GARY B. GRAVES, Associated Press
Trainer Bob Baffert, jockey John Velazquez, and owner Amr Zedan of Medina Spirit pose for a photo after winning the 147th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 01, 2021 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Sam Mallon/Getty Images)
Medina Spirit’s victory in the Kentucky Derby is in serious jeopardy because of a failed postrace drug test, one that led Churchill Downs to suspend Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert on Sunday in the latest scandal to plague the sport.
Baffert denied all wrongdoing and promised to be fully transparent with the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission during its investigation. Baffert’s barn received word Saturday that Medina Spirit had tested positive for an excessive amount of the steroid betamethasone, which is sometimes used to treat pain and inflammation in horses.
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The Kentucky Derby has made headlines across several mainstream media outlets beyond its usual coverage in light of recent news that the winner of the 147th edition, Medina Spirit, received a post-race positive test.
News broke on Sunday (May 9) that a test sample from Medina Spirit showed heightened levels 21 picograms per milliliter of betamethasone, a corticosteroid typically used as an anti-inflammatory for conditions such as arthritis. Said drug is barred by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) under new protocols passed in 2020 which prohibits administration of any drug or medication within 24 hours of a race. However, its use is allowed under clearance by the KHRC 14 days prior to a race. Bob Baffert, trainer of Medina Spirit, also faced a betamethasone positive in 2020 when his filly Gamine finished third in the Kentucky Oaks, also at Churchill Downs.
Monday afternoon Cardinal news and notes
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For anyone who is discouraged in the pursuit of a dream, the Kentucky Derby career of jockey John Velazquez now stands as an ultimate testament to never giving up.
Even as Velazquez established himself as one of the premier riders in North American Thoroughbred racing in the first decade of the 21st century, his luck in our nation’s signature horse race was all buzzard’s.
Over the first 11 shots Velazquez got to win the Derby, he failed every time. His personal Kentucky Derby race chart was filled with finishes such as 19th (three times), 15th and 10th.
Even worse, it seemed the Derby gods were determined to taunt the Carolina, Puerto Rico, native.
Louisville Courier Journal
Two years ago it was a disqualification and 65-1 longshot winner. Last year it was a delay from spring into September. So what twists and turns will the Kentucky Derby throw at us this year?
The first Saturday in May has arrived, which means it s time for the fastest two minutes in sports and, after a race with no fans in 2020, the scene this year promises to be one to remember.
Essential Quality is the favorite in the race, with odds at 5-2 as of 6:15 p.m. Other names to know include Rock Your World at 5-1,Hot Rod Charlie at 5-1 and Known Agenda at 11-1.