Bob Baffert under fire after Medina Spirit tests positive for banned substance

Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit tested positive for a banned substance, putting Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert in the spotlight for the wrong reasons.

Baffert is one of the more recognizable names in horse racing, but typically for his exploits producing Triple Crown-worthy horses. With Medina Spirit’s win, Baffert had trained his seventh Kentucky Derby-winning horse, surpassing the previous record, which was set by Ben Jones. All of that, along with his reputation, is now under question.

Medina Spirit tested positive for the banned substance betamethasone, typically injected in the joints to reduce pain and swelling. It’s the same banned substance that was found in Gamine, another Baffert horse, just last year.

Another sample will be taken to confirm the result, but should Medina Spirit once again test positive, the winning purse must be returned and the horse will be stripped of the Kentucky Derby win.

Bob Baffert baffled by Medina Spirit positive test, or so he says

“I was totally shocked when I heard this news,” Baffert said. “I’m still trying to absorb it. I am the most scrutinized trainer. And I am okay with that. The last thing I want to do is something that would jeopardize the greatest sport.”

This is far from the first time a horse trained by Baffert has failed a drug test. In fact, it’s a well-known fact in the horse racing world that Baffert often bends the rules to his disposal. His horses have failed upwards of 30 drug tests in four decades of training.

“I want to have a positive influence on the sport of horse racing. Horses have been my life and I owe everything to them and the tremendous sport in which I have been so fortunate to be involved,” Baffert said at the time, apologizing for the positive tests in a statement.

A failed Kentucky Derby test, however, will be more difficult to bounce back from, and an awful look for a sport already struggling with negative press.