Tests on the Medina Spirit Split sample showed that Betamethasone was positive from the ointment
Tests were performed on cleavage samples taken from GI Kentucky Derby winners Medina Spirit (Protonico) has revealed that intern Bob Baffert’s well-publicized betamethasone positive result was in fact the result of the topical use of the ointment – not the injection – according to a statement late on Wednesday night. Six by Baffert attorney W. Craig Robertson III.
Emails from Robertson to members of the media read:
“Testing of the Medina Spirit split urine sample has now been completed by Dr. George Maylin, Director of the New York Drug Trials & Research Program. According to the Franklin Circuit Court Order in Kentucky, this urine was tested ‘to determine whether topical use of Otomax could result in the detection of betamethasone’ in Medina Spirit following the 2021 Kentucky Derby. Those results now confirm with certainty that the betamethasone present in Medina Spirit’s system does indeed come from Otomax topical ointment and not the injection. In other words, it is now scientifically proven that what Bob Baffert said in the first place was true – Medina Spirit was never injected with betamethasone and the findings after the Kentucky Derby were merely the result of the horse being treated with Treat skin conditions with topical ointments – all under the direction of a Medina Spirit veterinarian.
“The betamethasone in the injection is betamethasone acetate. The betamethasone in the topical ointment is betamethasone valerate. Only betamethasone acetate is mentioned and regulated in the racing rules in Kentucky. Therefore, the presence of betamethasone valerate in Medina Spirit, as a result of the topical ointment, is not a rule violation. Dr. Maylin’s test not only confirmed the presence of betamethasone valerate, but also the absence of betamethasone acetate. This will settle the issue in Kentucky and Medina Spirit will remain the official winner of the 2021 Kentucky Derby.
“Since May, Mr. Baffert has been the subject of an unfair judgment. We asked everyone to wait until the truth and science come to light. Now that science has proven that Sir Baffert told the truth, didn’t break any racing rules, and Medina Spirit’s victory was due solely to the horse’s heart and ability and nothing else, it’s time to all go. All members of the race must come together for the sake of sport. Mr. Baffert has been a huge ambassador for the sport during his 46-year career in the Hall of Fame and he intends to continue to do so. ”
This story will be updated.
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