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Medina Spirit has been stripped of his 2021 Kentucky Derby title … officials announced Monday the horse has been officially disqualified following a hearing last week.
In a statement, Kentucky horse racing stewards said Medina Spirit did have the banned substance betamethasone in his blood on race day — a huge no-no — and announced second-place finisher Mandaloun will now be recognized as the race’s winner going forward.
Officials also announced Bob Baffert, Medina Spirit’s trainer, has now been suspended 90 days from all Kentucky racing facilities and fined $7,500 because of the findings.
Baffert will have the opportunity to appeal the ban — which officials said will last from March 8 through June 5.
The ruling means Baffert will now have to win another Derby title to regain the crown of winningest trainer in the race’s history (Medina Spirit’s victory had given him seven total).
As we reported, Medina Spirit died suddenly on a track in Southern California in December. It’s not clear if the horse’s positive betamethasone test played any role in the death.