Baffert Trained Horses Pass First of Three Drug Tests

BALTIMORE, MD – Per the condition of entry agreement into Preakness 146 between the Maryland Jockey Club and trainer Bob Baffert reached earlier this week, Baffert trained horses Medina Spirit, Concert Tour and Beautiful Gift underwent three rounds of out-of-competition blood sample testing. The Maryland Racing Commission (MRC) took two samples, one on May 6^th and the other on May 10^th. A third sample was taken by 1/ST RACING and the Maryland Jockey Club (MJC) on May 11^th

Samples drawn on May 6^th and May 10^th by the MRC were sent to Industrial Laboratories in Colorado while the samples drawn by 1/ST RACING and MJC on May 11^th were sent to the University of California at Davis Maddy Laboratory.

The May 6^th samples were screened for both prohibited and therapeutic substances and were reported clear for all horses on May 13^th by Industrial Laboratories. 

Results for the May 10^th and May 11^th samples will be available on Friday, May 14^th and are expected by 3:00 pm ET in advance of the George E. Mitchell Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (GII) for which Beautiful Gift is currently entered. The outcome of those results will be announced publicly by 1/ST RACING and MJC upon receipt.

Consistent with the fair procedures and practices established by 1/ST RACING and MJC, the additional tests and monitoring are being conducted as part of the rigorous condition of entry agreement to ensure the fairness and integrity of the races with horses entered by Baffert, which are the George E. Mitchell Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (G2) and the 146^th Preakness Stakes (G1). 

“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 April 1^st through May 10^th.  Medical records for Medina Spirit reflected the dispensing of Otomax® on April 9^th and April 19^th. 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 on May 12^th.  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, please click here.