«While we do not know definitively that this was the source of the alleged 21 picograms found in Medina Spirit’s post-race blood sample, and our investigation is containing, I have been told by
Bob Baffert, trainer of Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit, said on Tuesday that he used an ointment that contained betamethasone on the horse to treat «dermatitis.» «Following the Santa Anita Derby, Medina Spirit developed dermatitis on his hind end. I had him checked out by my veterinarian who recommended the use of an anti-fungal ointment called Otomax,» Baffert wrote in a statement. «The veterinary recommendation was to apply this ointment daily to give the horse relief, help heal the dermatitis, and prevent it from spreading. My barn followed this recommendation and MEDINA SPIRIT was treated with Otomax once a day up until the day before the Kentucky Derby.» The statement continued, «Yesterday, I was informed that one of the substances in Otomax is betamethasone. While we do not know definitively that this was the source of the alleged 21 picograms found in Medina Spirit’s post-race blood sample, and our investigation is containing, I have been told by equine pharmacology experts that this could explain the test results.» Baffert’s attorney, Craig Robertson, directed Newsweek to the statement issued on Tuesday after reaching out for comment.
