Per the condition of the entry agreement into the GI Preakness S. between the Maryland Jockey Club and trainer Bob Baffert reached earlier this week, Baffert-trained horses Medina Spirit (Protonico), Concert Tour (Street Sense) and Beautiful Gift (Medaglia d'Oro) underwent three rounds of out-of-competition blood sample testing. The Maryland Racing Commission (MRC) took two samples, one May 6 and the other May 10. A third sample was taken by 1/ST RACING and the Maryland Jockey Club (MJC) May 11.
Samples drawn May 6 and 10 by the MRC were sent to Industrial Laboratories in Colorado, while the samples drawn by 1/ST RACING and MJC on May 11 were sent to the University of California at Davis Maddy Laboratory.
The May 6 samples were screened for both prohibited and therapeutic substances and were reported clear for all horses Thursday by Industrial Laboratories.
Results for the May 10 and 11 samples will be available Friday, and are expected by 3:00 p.m. ET in advance of the GII George E. Mitchell Black-Eyed Susan S., in which Beautiful Gift is entered. The outcome of those results will be announced publicly by 1/ST RACING and MJC upon receipt.
“1/ST RACING is committed to achieving the highest level of horse care and safety standards in Thoroughbred racing. We have been an industry leader in instituting processes and protocols that have led to nationwide medication reform and increased accountability and transparency,” said Craig Fravel, Chief Executive Officer, 1/ST RACING. “While we acknowledge the challenging circumstances that prompted this further need for transparency, it reflects, above all else, that the principles of integrity, accountability, and safety in our sport are non-negotiable.”
In addition to third-round sampling, the medical records for all Baffert trained horses have been reviewed by Dr. Dionne Benson, Chief Veterinary Officer, 1/ST RACING. Baffert has provided medical records covering the period of Apr. 1 through May 10. Medical records for Medina Spirit reportedly reflected the dispensing of Otomax Apr. 9 and 19. Otomax is a legal, topical ointment used off-label to treat dermatitis in racehorses. Medina Spirit's medical records were compared to confidential veterinary records obtained from the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) which were submitted within 24 hours of those dates and have been verified.
Baffert also voluntarily submitted radiographs of Medina Spirit's fetlocks (ankles) and carpi (knees), which his veterinarian took at Pimlico May 12. These radiographs were reviewed by the Maryland Equine Medical Director, 1/ST RACING's Chief Veterinary Officer, and a Diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons that consults with 1/ST RACING and MJC. All three veterinarians independently determined the radiographs showed no abnormal findings.
To view a copy of the Maryland Jockey Club and Bob Baffert agreement, click here.
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