Kentucky Derby, Oaks Day Competitors Clear Drug Tests

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission reported May 11 that laboratory results taken from horses that raced May 6-7 on Kentucky Oaks Day and Kentucky Derby Day were clear of drug infractions. This includes the post-race samples from the Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1) and Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1).

The clear tests contrast those from the past two years when Gamine  tested positive for betamethasone in the 2020 Kentucky Oaks, and Medina Spirit  also showed the prohibited raceday presence of betamethasone in the 2021 Kentucky Derby. Both horses, trained by Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, were ultimately disqualified and placed last. Michael Lund Petersen's Gamine was demoted from third in the Oaks, Zedan Racing Stables' Medina Spirit from first.

Baffert attributed Gamine's positive test to an injection that came 18 days before the Oaks—outside the 14-day suggested withdrawal time—and Medina Spirit's to the treatment of a betamethasone valerate-containing cream used to treat a skin rash on the colt. Baffert has appealed the Medina Spirit disqualification as well as the 90-day suspension and $7,500 fine issued against him.

Baffert is currently serving his suspension, issued Feb. 21 by the KHRC, and has not run horses in any jurisdiction since April 2. Last year, acting as a private property owner, Churchill Downs Inc. barred him from participation at its tracks through mid-2023.

Last week 80-1 longshot Rich Strike  upset the Derby, while Secret Oath  triumphed in the Kentucky Oaks.