Maylin: Medina Spirit Final Research a Long Way Off

During the summer of 2021, Kentucky Circuit Court Judge Thomas Wingate urged both sides of the Medina Spirit  positive-test dispute to get results from Dr. George Maylin's scientific testing of urine samples so the resolution of the matter could move forward. Almost a year later, Maylin said his full research related to specific tests is not close to completion.

According to testimony he gave in a June 10 deposition, Maylin read about trainer Bob Baffert's claim that betamethasone found in Medina Spirit's blood after the 2021 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) at Churchill Downs originated from Otomax, a skin rash salve.

That betamethasone positive would ultimately lead Kentucky stewards to disqualify Medina Spirit and issue a suspension and fine to Baffert—actions that are under appeal.

Maylin, director of the New York Equine Drug Testing and Research Laboratory where post-race samples are routinely tested for prohibited substances, said he decided on his own, with the 2021 Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets (G1) looming weeks after the Derby, "I'd better see if, in fact, (topical application of) Otomax... could result in a positive test..."

Maylin said he discussed the potential for problems in the Belmont in mid-May 2021 with Ronald Ochrym, acting director of the Division of Racing at the New York State Gaming Commission.

According to his testimony, Maylin became further involved in June 2021 when veterinarian Dr. Clara Fenger, on behalf of connections of Zedan Racing Stables' Medina Spirit, asked if he would perform testing and research on the issue. Maylin agreed to do it.

In the meantime, Maylin and lab associates applied Otomax and collected urine samples from two research Thoroughbred mares in May and August 2021, and urine samples from Medina Spirit were delivered to him on July 14, 2021. There was a waiting period of several months while another laboratory worked on developing metabolites needed for testing.

A December 3, 2021, report letter from Maylin to lawyers for Baffert and the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission says he tested samples both from Medina Spirit and two research mares, and that analytes from ingredients of Otomax were found in both. The letter concludes, "We consider this to be a research project that will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal and as such is confidential until the data is submitted for review."

And therein lies the rub. Although Maylin disclosed to KHRC and Baffert/Zedan in due course a laboratory packet about his testing of Medina Spirit's urine, he refused, and still refuses, to provide written analytical details of the lab's research on the two test mares.

Further, under questioning from KHRC attorney Jennifer Wolsing, Maylin said his work on the test mares has not been peer-reviewed or shared with another laboratory, and that it will not be peer-reviewed until "we get our results finalized." Asked when that would be, Maylin initially said, "I'm not sure," then added, "within a year."

The research can be finalized, Maylin said, "when we have sufficient data to submit it to a scientific journal... a significant amount of additional studies, additional administration trials."

"What is the holdup in continuing to test and administer this medication to more horses?" Wolsing asked Maylin.

"Our primary job is testing samples of racehorses' blood and urine," Maylin responded. "This is not a high priority in our routine work. And we'll get it done when we can get to it."

Pressed for more information, Maylin said he would need to test at least eight horses in order to have publishable results.

In denying access to the work, Maylin testified there is California case law saying he doesn't have to release his research on the test horses, and that he is not willing to release it even with a protective order limiting its dissemination.

"So basically we just need to take your word for (the research); is that correct?" Wolsing asked.

To which Maylin answered, "Or you can do your own research."

Otomax Applied in Gaskin Area of One Test Mare, Another Applied Around Mouth

Maylin testified it was his understanding Otomax had been applied to a "rear leg" of Medina Spirit based on his review of a photo he saw in BloodHorse. He testified that Otomax was applied to one test mare in the gaskin area. The gaskin is a part of the hind leg between the stifle and the hock, corresponding in human terms to an area between the knee and ankle.

BloodHorse reported May 11, 2021, that according to a statement issued by Baffert, his staff treated Medina Spirit's hind end for dermatitis with Otomax.

Otomax was put on the other test mare in the mouth around her lips and on her tongue in case Medina Spirit had licked the area of application, Maylin said.

An Objection-Filled Examination

Maylin appeared at his Zoom deposition with a lawyer who appeared remotely, Joseph Farraldo. Craig Robertson appeared for Baffert, and there was no announced appearance by a lawyer for owner Amr Zedan or his racing corporation. Between Robertson and Farraldo, they objected 134 times during Wolsing's direct examination of Maylin, which encompassed 113 pages in the transcript obtained by BloodHorse.