Report: Why Regulators Test For Picograms Of Betamethasone Sponsored by:
Medina Spirit (Protonico) wins the Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs. John Velazquez up, Bob Baffert trainer, Zedan Racing owner.
On Sunday morning, trainer Bob Baffert shocked the racing world with his announcement that Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit s post-race test had returned a positive result for 21 picograms of betamethasone. During his press conference, Baffert went on to say that Medina Spirit has never been administered betamethasone.
During the ensuing social media storm, questions have arisen about what exactly betamethasone is, the legitimacy of testing for substances in concentrations as low as a picogram (one trillionth of a gram), and how it got into the horse s system in the first place.
Nominating Committee Unveils Diverse HISA Board
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Sharp to Appeal 30-Day Suspension for Levamisole
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What Makes A Positive Test: An Explanation Behind The Figures And Thresholds Sponsored by:
Positive post-race tests have long been a source of fascination and discussion for horsemen, veterinarians, and fans of racing. But for those of us without an advanced chemistry degree, it can sometimes be unclear what those tests are meant to look for, and what makes a test “positive.”
Veterinarians administer medications to Thoroughbreds in accordance with withdrawal guidelines provided by rulemakers. The Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI) provides a set of recommended guidelines for what should be considered a “positive” test, and when doses of certain drugs can safely be given to comply with those guidelines. If these guidelines are followed, experts say the owner or trainer who approved the medication should not be overly concerned about having a “positive” test after a race.