You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.
Article content
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert says on social media that he has asked attorneys to end his appeal of Medina Spirit’s disqualification as 2021 Kentucky Derby winner after the now-deceased colt failed a postrace drug test that detected the steroid betamethasone in his system.
The two-time Triple Crown winner had appealed his disqualification by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission nearly two years ago for using the topical ointment, which is legal in Kentucky but banned on race day. Churchill Downs subsequently took Medina Spirit down as Derby winner and elevated runner-up Mandaloun to champion. The historic track suspended Baffert for two years immediately after the failed test and extended the punishment last July to at least the end of the 2024 calendar year, a ban that will keep him out of the milestone 150th Derby on May 4.
Article content
Advertisement 2
Story continues below
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.
Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.
Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.
Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.
Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.
Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.
Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.
Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.
Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
Access articles from across Canada with one account.
Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
Baffert said on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he instructed lawyers to drop the appeal after talking with Zedan Racing owner Amr Zedan “to positively focus on the present and future that our great sport offers.” The trainer also thanked the KHRC and Churchill Downs for hearing his side and added he was grateful for “changes and clarity” the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) has brought to horse racing.
Medina Spirit collapsed and died in December 2021 following a workout in California. Baffert returned to the Triple Crown last spring and won the Preakness with National Treasure just after another of his entries, Havnameltdown, was euthanized on the track at Pimlico Race Course following a leg injury.
Article content
Share this article in your social network
Share this Story : Trainer Bob Baffert asks to end appeal of DQ of Medina Spirit for failed drug test at Kentucky Derby
Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.
This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.