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W. Craig Robertson III Says Testing of Split Samples of ‘Medina Spirit’ Reveals Positive Test for Betamethasone was from Topical Ointment
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WTVQ) – Lawyer for Hall of Fame coach Bob Baffert said testing of split samples taken from Kentucky Derby winner “Medina Spirit,†revealed that the horse’s positive test for betamethasone was the result of a topical ointment, not an injection, therefore, the horse should not be disqualified, according to the Thoroughbred Daily News. Bob Baffert says the ointment has been used topically to treat horse rashes. Betamethasone is a long-acting corticosteroid with immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory properties.
The statement by Baffert’s attorney, W. Craig Robertson III, was released on Friday evening.
“The Medina Spirit fractional urine sample test has now been completed by Dr. George Maylin, director of the New York Drug Testing & Research Program. By order of the Kentucky Franklin Circuit Court, this urine was tested “to determine whether the suspected topical administration of Otomax could have resulted in the discovery of betamethasone” in Medina Spirit after the Kentucky Derby 2021. These results have now been definitively confirmed. that the betamethasone in the Medina Spirit system was indeed from Otomax topical ointment and not from an injection. In other words, it has now been scientifically proven that what Bob Baffert has said from the start to be true – Medina Spirit never received a betamethasone injection and the findings that followed the Kentucky Derby were only the result. treatment of the horse for a skin condition. topical ointment, all under the direction of the Medina Spirit veterinarian.
“Betamethasone in an injection is betamethasone acetate. The betamethasone in the topical ointment is betamethasone valerate. Only betamethasone acetate is discussed and regulated in the Kentucky racing rules. Thus, the presence of valerate of betamethasone in Medina Spirit, which results from a topical ointment, is not a rule violation.Dr Maylin’s tests not only confirmed the presence of betamethasone valerate, but also the absence of betamethasone acetate. This should definitely fix the issue in Kentucky, and Medina Spirit is expected to remain the official winner of the 2021 Kentucky Derby.
“Since May, Mr. Baffert has been the subject of an unfair haste in trial. We have always asked everyone to wait for the facts and the science to be revealed. Now that Mr. Baffert has been scientifically proven to be truthful, that he didn’t break any racing rules, and that Medina Spirit’s victory was due only to the heart and ability of the horse and nothing else, it is time for all racing members to come together for the good of the sport. Mr. Baffert has been a tremendous ambassador for the sport throughout his 46-year Hall of Fame career and he fully intends to continue to do so.
Now the attention will turn to the Kentucky Racing Commission. How will the stewards rule? As of this writing, Bob Baffert is still banned from Churchill Downs for two years.
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