Trainer Admits Using Banned Substance On Horse

The Louisville Courier-Journal reports:



Bob Baffert acknowledged Tuesday morning Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit was treated with an anti-fungal ointment called Otomax, which includes betamethasone.

Baffert announced Sunday that Medina Spirit tested positive for betamethasone, which has put his Kentucky Derby victory in jeopardy. Betamethasone is anti-inflammatory drug that otherwise is legal but is illegal when found in the blood on race day.

According to Kentucky Horse Racing Commission regulations, a second positive test — called a “split sample” — is required before a horse can be disqualified. The result of the second test is not expected to be ready for several weeks.