Hall of Fame horse trainer Bob Baffert's Churchill Downs suspension has been extended through 2024, ruling him out for the 150th Kentucky Derby.
."From the moment I learned of Medina Spirit’s post-race positive — now more than two years ago — I committed to find out how it could have occurred. A review of our treatment records showed we used a topical ointment called Otomax for a skin infection. I asked that the post-race sample be tested to determine if we could scientifically confirm that the positive came from the ointment.
"The testing so confirmed. I have been open, honest and forthcoming. I have acknowledged that our treatment led to the positive and I have fully I informed the Kentucky Racing Commission. I believe the rules permit the use of Otomax and I have asked the Racing Commission to review those rules and apply them to the facts."
The post-race blood test showed betamethasone in Medina Spirit's system. Betamethasone skin treatments — used to treat itching, swollen and irritated skin — are legal as therapeutic aids, but are banned on and leading up to race day due to the drug's performance-enhancement potential. In Baffert's return to the Triple Crown trail, his National Treasure won the 2023 Preakness Stakes. The victory was his eighth in the Preakness, setting a new record for a trainer in the second leg of the Triple Crown, hours after another 3-year-old horse Baffert trained broke his left front leg while racing at Pimlico Race Course and was euthanized on the track.
Churchill Downs has also had its own trouble with horse fatalities this year. The track's Spring Meet relocated to Ellis Park in Henderson after. Trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr. was suspended from Churchill Downs on May 4 after two of his horses, Parents Pride and Chasing Artie, died at the track.
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