The disqualification of Medina Spirit from his first-place finish in the 2021 Kentucky Derby (G1) ended at the regulatory level Aug. 22 when the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission denied an appeal from the late horse's connections, but the case is not fully resolved as owner Zedan Racing will appeal the regulator's decision in court.
The KHRC's final ruling on the Medina Spirit case followed the recommendation of a hearing officer who called for upholding a stewards' decision to disqualify the horse, resulting in owner Amr Zedan forfeiting the winning purse money of $1.86 million; as well as fining trainer Bob Baffert $7,500 and suspending him 90 days. The KHRC reached its decision Aug. 22 during an executive session of its regular meeting and then posted its decision to its website.
Zedan Racing soon posted on social media that it would appeal the regulatory decision in court. Such appeals of KHRC decisions typically are heard in Franklin (Ky.) Circuit Court.
"Today's decision by the KHRC finding the use of a commonly used topical ointment to be a medication rule violation relating to Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit was expected," said the post from Zedan Racing. "We now look forward to a court's review and legal analysis of the express rules and the basic constitutional principles involved.
"We genuinely believe that the wisdom and guidance that a court can provide will bring clarity benefitting all industry partners and particularly trainers and veterinarians."
Medina Spirit finished first in the 147th running of the Kentucky Derby May 1, 2021, at Churchill Downs. The horse later was disqualified by the stewards after Medina Spirit was found to contain approximately 21 pg/mL to 25 pg/mL of betamethasone in a post-race sample.
Angst, King: Medina Spirit Disqualified From 2021 Kentucky Derby Win
Under Kentucky rules, betamethasone is classified as a Class C drug and is prohibited in any amount in a post-race sample.
The Aug. 22 social media post by Zedan Racing references its belief that the betamethasone finding is tied to the application of the ointment Otomax to Medina Spirit. In its case before hearing officer Eden Davis Stephens, the KHRC argued that the method of administration of the betamethasone is not important.
The case was delayed when the initial hearing officer, Clayton Patrick, recused himself because of a perceived conflict of interest. That recusal followed a six-day hearing in August 2022. Hearing officer Stephens was assigned the case and issued her recommendation May 26 to uphold the DQ.
Downey: Hearing Officer Upholds Medina Spirit DQ
The KHRC summary posted Aug. 22 followed the hearing officer's recommendation. The final order said the KHRC considered the adopted findings of fact and the adopted conclusions of law before issuing its decision:
- The hearing officer's recommended order is approved, adopted, and incorporated herein by reference as a part of this order.
- Petitioners' appeal is therefore dismissed.
