BAFFERT TRAINED HORSES MEDINA SPIRIT, CONCERT TOUR AND BEAUTIFUL GIFT UNDERWENT THREE ROUNDS OF OUT-OF-COMPETITION TESTING PER CONDITION OF ENTRY AGREEMENT
May 13th, 2021
May 13, 2021
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 6th and the other on May 10th. A third sample was taken by 1/ST RACING and the Maryland Jockey Club (MJC) on May 11th
Samples drawn on May 6th and May 10th by the MRC were sent to Industrial Laboratories in Colorado while the samples drawn by 1/ST RACING and MJC on May 11th were sent to the University of California at Davis Maddy Laboratory.
The May 6th samples were screened for both prohibited and therapeutic substances and were reported clear for all horses on May 13th by Industrial Laboratories.
Results for the May 10th and May 11th samples will be available on Friday, May 14th 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 (GII) and the 146th Preakness Stakes (GI).
“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 1st through May 10th. Medical records for Medina Spirit reflected the dispensing of Otomax® on April 9th and April 19th. 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 12th. 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.
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Media Contacts:
Tiffani Steer, Vice President, Communications, 1/ST, tiffani.steer@1st.com
David Joseph, Vice President, Communications, Maryland Jockey Club, david.joseph@marylandracing.com
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