'Fundamental fairness' allows Medina Spirit to contest next leg of Triple Crown

Bob Baffert’s controversial Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit, along with stablemate Concert Tour, have been permitted to race in Sunday’s Preakness Stakes at Pimlico after the under-fire trainer consented to blood testing, monitoring, and medical review of his horses by Maryland authorities.

The move comes in the aftermath of a May 9 announcement that Medina Spirit tested positive for the corticosteroid betamethasone and faces possible disqualification from his victory at Churchill Downs earlier this month.

Following that initial positive test, with a split sample result still to come in the weeks ahead, Baffert was suspended by Churchill Downs from entering any horses at the Louisville track, pending the conclusion of an investigation by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.

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

Craig Robertson, counsel for Baffert, distributed a letter to media outlets on Tuesday addressed to attorney Alan Rifkin, whose firm represents the Maryland Jockey Club, first outlining the agreement. The Maryland Jockey Club operates Pimlico and Laurel Park in the state.

The letter notes that the horses were tested upon arrival at Pimlico, and if any of the three horses test positive for a banned substance or above a designated limit for a medication, the horse will be scratched.

The Stronach Group (TSG), which owns and manages the Maryland Jockey Club, also issued a response, saying it would review relevant facts and information and consult the Maryland Racing Commission before making a decision on the entry of Baffert trainees. Pimlico had delayed entries this week.

Bob Baffert: had been banned from entering horses at Churchill Downs after Medina Spirit's positive testCredit: Edward Whitaker

In a release that followed Robertson's announcement, TSG pledged the Baffert horses would be allowed to compete after rigorous conditions to entry, along with a binding commitment from Baffert to full transparency of medical and testing results.

Craig Fravel, chief executive of 1st Racing, a division of TSG, said: "We are well aware of the public outcry and calls for action that have been the natural outcome of a medication positive in one of the most iconic races in our sport and we share the disappointment and concern.

"We are required to acknowledge in this instance that fundamental fairness compels us to respect the individual rights of participants in our sport to due process and adherence to agreed-upon and well-established rules.

"While the integrity of our sport is of utmost importance it is the responsibility of those in authority to follow the rules even as we seek to enforce them."

The Preakness Stakes is the second leg of the American Triple Crown and a field of ten was declared on Tuesday, with Medina Spirit, drawn in stall three, the early favourite at 9-5.

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

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