According to Pat Forde of Sports Illustrated, the winning horse of the Kentucky Derby- Medina Spirit is facing disqualification from Churchill Downs after a positive drug test result came in. Furthermore, trainer Bob Baffert has been suspended, adding another twist and turn to his infamous career.

 

However, the drug that the horse tested positive for isn't a new one for Baffert, who was recently in hot water for a positive test in 2020 with the same substance.

This is a huge deal and one that could potentially put a serious damper on Baffert, considering Spirit will be the fifth horse to test positive in just over a year. Moreover, the Kentucky Derby victory for Medina Spirit is in jeopardy of being stripped if the findings are proven to be correct.

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“To be clear, if the findings are upheld, Medina Spirit’s results in the Kentucky Derby will be invalidated and Mandaloun will be declared the winner,” Churchill Downs officials said in a statement, according to the Associated Press. 

A horse hasn't been stripped of the Kentucky Derby victory since 1968. With Medina Spirit set to run in the second leg of the Triple Crown at the Preakness, this will definitely be something to follow along with. Baffert disagrees and is set to fight the suspension and the positive test, claiming he didn't do such a thing.

“I got the biggest gut-punch in racing for something that I didn’t do,” Baffert said of the failed test.

Five times in a year from the same trainer is extremely questionable. If Baffert and Spirit are found to be guilty of the positive test, it could certainly spell the end of his career as a trainer, as well as the Kentucky Derby victory. He openly acknowledged being the “most scrutinized trainer” and another strike on his record could pose career-threatening consequences if he's indeed found guilty of this positive test.