Medina Spirit Will Be Allowed To Run In Preakness: MD Jockey Club

BALTIMORE, MD — After reportedly testing positive for a prohibited substance, the winner of the Kentucky Derby will be permitted to compete in this weekend's Preakness Stakes. The Maryland Jockey Club made the decision Monday.

Medina Spirit arrived at Pimlico Race Court in Baltimore on Monday with Concert Tour, according to the Maryland Jockey Club, which reported both will compete in the Preakness.

Trainer Bob Baffert committed to full transparency, including public release of test results, after Medina Spirit reportedly tested positive for betamethasone following the Kentucky Derby.

Churchill Downs suspended Baffert after the release of post-race testing results.

Baffert, who disputed that the horse was given a prohibited substance, agreed to "rigorous testing and monitoring" at Pimlico Race Course in addition to what is normally required by the Maryland Racing Commission, the Maryland Jockey Club reported.

Medina Spirit had been given ointment for dermatitis that contained bethametasone, Baffert told the Louisville Courier Journal. A second test is pending that will determine whether the horse's win will stand.

"If any of the three Baffert horses test positive for a banned substance, or at a level for a permitted therapeutic substance that is above the designated limit, or if after medical review, reasonable conditions warrant, Baffert or MJC on his behalf, will scratch the horse in question," the Maryland Jockey Club (MJC) reported Monday.

Medina Spirit, Concert Tour and Beautiful Gift are all Baffert-trained horses running in this weekend's races at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore.

“Our company has a track record of instituting process and protocols that have led to nationwide medication reforms, and we are unwavering in our commitment to put horse and rider safety at the forefront,” wrote Craig Fravel, chief executive officer of 1/ST RACING, in a statement. 1/ST RACING oversees the operation of the Preakness.

Continued Fravel: “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."

See Also: Kentucky Derby Winner Could Be Disqualified; Trainer Suspended