Baffert: Kentucky Derby winner's positive test down to treatment for dermatitis

Bob Baffert has issued a statement suggesting Medina Spirit's post-race positive test for betamethasone in the Kentucky Derby may have been due to an ointment that was applied to the colt for dermatitis.

Pending the results of a split sample test for the corticosteroid, the Derby winner faces possible disqualification from the race.

Betamethasone, primarily administered to horses in joint injections, is a Class C drug allowed in Kentucky as a therapeutic but state rules require at least a 14-day withdrawal time before racing and any level of detection on raceday is a violation.

According to Baffert, his staff began treating Medina Spirit with Otomax, an antifungal ointment, on the suggestion of his veterinarian to treat dermatitis on the colt's hind end that developed last month.

He did not realize the ointment contained betamethasone until May 10, soon after he began an investigation into what might have led to the positive test.

Medina Spirit faces disqualification from the Kentucky DerbyCredit: Tim Nwachukyu (Getty Images)

"On May 9, 2021, I held a press conference in which I stated that I intended to thoroughly investigate how this could have happened and that I would be completely transparent throughout the process," Baffert said in a statement distributed by his lawyer, Craig Robertson.

"I immediately began that investigation, which has resulted in me learning of a possible source for the betamethasone, and now, as promised, I want to be forthright about what I have learned.

"Following the Santa Anita Derby, Medina Spirit developed dermatitis on his hind end. I had him checked out by my veterinarian who recommended the use of an anti-fungal ointment called Otomax.

"The veterinary recommendation was to apply this ointment daily to give the horse relief, help heal the dermatitis, and prevent it from spreading.

"My barn followed this recommendation and Medina Spirit was treated with Otomax once a day up until the day before the Kentucky Derby. Yesterday, I was informed that one of the substances in Otomax is betamethasone.

"While we do not know definitively that this was the source of the alleged 21 picograms found in Medina Spirit's post-race blood sample, and our investigation is continuing, I have been told by equine pharmacology experts that this could explain the test results. As such, I wanted to be forthright about this fact as soon as I learned of this information."

Kentucky Derby winner under scrutiny after positive post-race test

According to the Merck Animal Health website, Otomax is advertised as a treatment for canines for acute and chronic otitis externa. Merck's website prominently indicates the medication contains betamethasone valerate among the ingredients in the gel.

Baffert's statement did not indicate why the horse was treated with an ointment that Merck markets for use in canines and that has betamethasone valerate listed among its active ingredients.

In November, following positive drug tests last year from his horses Charlatan, Gamine, and Merneith, Baffert announced plans to increase scrutiny and security measures around his barns.

At that time, Baffert announced the retention of Dr Michael Hore of Hagyard Equine Medical Institute "to add an additional layer of protection to ensure the well-being of horses in my care and rule compliance."

"As I have stated, my investigation is continuing and we do not know for sure if this ointment was the cause of the test results, or if the test results are even accurate, as they have yet to be confirmed by the split sample," his Tuesday statement continued.

"However, again, I have been told that a finding of a small amount, such as 21 picograms, could be consistent with application of this type of ointment. I intend to continue to investigate and I will continue to be transparent.

Medina Spirit (right): was treated for dermatitis last monthCredit: Rob Carr

"In the meantime, I want to reiterate two points I made when this matter initially came to light. First, I had no knowledge of how betamethasone could have possibly found its way into Medina Spirit (until now) and this has never been a case of attempting to game the system or get an unfair advantage.

"Second, horseracing must address its regulatory problem when it comes to substances which can innocuously find their way into a horse's system at the picogram (which is a trillionth of a gram) level.

"Medina Spirit earned his Kentucky Derby win and my pharmacologists have told me that 21 picograms of betamethasone would have had no effect on the outcome of the race. Medina Spirit is a deserved champion and I will continue to fight for him."

If Medina Spirit's follow-up split-sample test confirms the presence of betamethasone, Kentucky rules authorise disqualification of the horse and penalties toward Baffert, absent of mitigating circumstances.

A disqualification would result in Juddmonte Farm's Mandaloun being awarded victory in the Kentucky Derby. He crossed the wire second, a half-length behind Zedan Racing Stable's Medina Spirit.

Visit Pickswise, our sister US sports site and the #1 home of free betting picks. Loaded with data, trends, and trusted opinion on every sport, every day.

Read more:

Medina Spirit takes thrilling Kentucky Derby for record-breaking Bob Baffert

'I really don't feel we did anything wrong' – Baffert wins medication ban appeal

Bob Baffert vows to prevent further positive tests after 'difficult' year

Bob Baffert facing new hearing after positive test on Merneith at Del Mar

For all our exclusive free bet offers and must-have daily promotions click the free bets button or go to racingpost.com/freebets