Bay Area Horse Trainer Speaks Out After Bob Baffert's Kentucky Derby Winner Tests Positive For Banned Substance

By John Ramos, CBS San Francisco:

PETALUMA (KPIX) – The results of last week’s Kentucky Derby are still unknown after the winning horse, Medina Spirit, tested positive for a banned race-day substance. But horse experts here in the Bay Area and across the country are pointing the finger at celebrity trainer Bob Baffert.

When Medina Spirit crossed the finish line first, all the credit went to Baffert. But the horse tested positive for an anti-inflammatory steroid called Betamethosone, which is not supposed to be in the animal’s system on race day. When it showed up in the blood test, no one seemed very surprised.

“You can’t have 29 bad tests and be innocent,” said retired trainer Sid Balagruti. He opened a ranch in Petaluma to create a place for race horses to retire to, as well. He said he did it out of a sense of obligation.

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