LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Corridor of Status coach Bob Baffert says on social media that he has requested legal professionals to finish his attraction of Medina Spirit’s disqualification because the 2021 Kentucky Derby winner nearest the now-deceased colt failed a postrace drug take a look at that detected the steroid betamethasone in his gadget.
The 2-time Triple Crown winner had appealed his disqualification by means of the Kentucky Horse Racing Fee just about two years in the past for the usage of the topical ointment, which is criminal in Kentucky however cancelled on race age. Churchill Downs due to this fact took Medina Spirit ailing as Derby winner and increased runner-up Mandaloun to champion.
The historical observe suspended Baffert for 2 years straight away nearest the failed take a look at and prolonged the punishment utmost July to no less than the tip of the 2024 calendar life, a block that may retain him out of the milestone a hundred and fiftieth Derby on Would possibly 4.
Baffert stated on X, previously referred to as Twitter, that he suggested attorneys to let fall the attraction nearest speaking with Zedan Racing proprietor Amr Zedan “to positively focus on the present and future that our great sport offers.” The coach additionally thanked the KHRC and Churchill Downs for listening to his facet and added he was once thankful for “changes and clarity” the Horseracing Integrity and Protection Authority (HISA) has delivered to horse racing.
Medina Spirit collapsed and died in December 2021 following a exercise in California. Baffert returned to the Triple Crown utmost spring and received the Preakness with Nationwide Charity simply nearest some other of his entries, Havnameltdown, was once euthanized at the observe at Pimlico Race Route following a leg shock.
