Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit fails post-race drug test

Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit has failed a post-race drug test, according to multiple reports. 

Churchill Downs, where Medina Spirit won the derby on May 1, said in a statement on Sunday that the runner-up, Mandaloun, would be declared the winner if a second test on Medina Spirit confirms the presence of a banned substance.

“To be clear, if the findings are upheld, Medina Spirit’s results in the Kentucky Derby will be invalidated and Mandaloun will be declared the winner,” Churchill Downs said . 

Medina Spirit reportedly tested positive betamethasone, an anti-inflammatory drug.

Medina Spirit’s trainer, Bob Baffert, told USA Today, however, that the horse “has never been treated with betamethasone.” 

“Yesterday I got the biggest gut punch in racing for something that I didn’t do,” Baffert said. “It’s disturbing. It’s an injustice to the horse.”

Churchill Downs also said it has suspended Baffert from entering other horses in races at the track. 

Baffert said he still plans to enter Medina Spirit in the upcoming race at Baltimore’s Preakness on Saturday, according to USA Today.