02-21-2022, 11:15 PM
‘ Medina Spirit, whose commanding victory in the 2021 Kentucky Derby helped to cement Bob Baffert as one of horse racing's most decorated trainers, was stripped of the race's title Monday, nine months after an investigation into a failed post-race drug test.
Medina Spirit's purse money for winning the Derby — about $1.86 million — must also be forfeited, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission said in a ruling. In addition, Baffert will be suspended for 90 days from the sport beginning next month and must pay a $7,500 fine.
An attorney for Baffert said he planned to appeal the decision.
Mandaloun, who placed second at the 147th running of the Derby, which is held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, was named the race's official winner.
In a statement, Churchill Downs did not address the commission's decision, but congratulated Mandaloun's trainer, Brad Cox, and jockey, Florent Geroux. ‘
"Winning the Kentucky Derby is one of the most exciting achievements in sports and we look forward to celebrating Mandaloun on a future date in a way that is fitting of this rare distinction," officials at the horse racing complex said.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna17092
Medina Spirit's purse money for winning the Derby — about $1.86 million — must also be forfeited, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission said in a ruling. In addition, Baffert will be suspended for 90 days from the sport beginning next month and must pay a $7,500 fine.
An attorney for Baffert said he planned to appeal the decision.
Mandaloun, who placed second at the 147th running of the Derby, which is held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, was named the race's official winner.
In a statement, Churchill Downs did not address the commission's decision, but congratulated Mandaloun's trainer, Brad Cox, and jockey, Florent Geroux. ‘
"Winning the Kentucky Derby is one of the most exciting achievements in sports and we look forward to celebrating Mandaloun on a future date in a way that is fitting of this rare distinction," officials at the horse racing complex said.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna17092