Kentucky Derby, Oaks Test Results Clear of Violations

A Kentucky Horse Racing Commission spokesperson reported May 12 that laboratory results taken from horses that raced May 5-6 on Kentucky Oaks Day and Kentucky Derby Day at Churchill Downs were clear of drug infractions. This includes the post-race samples from the Kentucky Oaks (G1) and Kentucky Derby (G1).

The clear test findings contrast with those from 2020-21 when Gamine  tested positive for betamethasone in the 2020 Kentucky Oaks, and Medina Spirit  also showed the presence of the same drug in testing from 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. The latter disqualification is under appeal.

This year's Derby, a race ultimately won by Mage , was preceded by five scratches, which allowed three also-eligibles to compete. One of those horses scratched was morning-line favorite Forte , who failed a pre-race veterinary examination performed by KHRC chief veterinarian Nick Smith due to a bruised right front foot. His connections disagreed with the decision and deemed him healthy to compete.

The Derby test results announcement comes a day after Forte, owned by Repole Stable and St. Elias Stable, was formally disqualified from the 2022 Hopeful Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course for tests that showed trace amounts of meloxicam, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication prohibited on raceday. Forte's connections attribute the finding to contamination and are appealing the decision, which also resulted in a $1,000 fine and 10-day suspension for Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher.