Report: More tests of Medina Spirit's sample to commence

Additional testing of Medina Spirit's Kentucky Derby urine sample will finally get underway next week at a New York laboratory.

According to a report in the Blood-Horse, the New York Equine Drug Testing and Research Laboratory has acquired the necessary metabolite to commence the follow-up screening of Medina Spirit's sample.

This year's Kentucky Derby winner for trainer Bob Baffert subsequently failed the post-race drug test when the regulated medication betamethasone, which is banned on race day, was discovered. Baffert's defense team has contended follow-up testing of Medina Spirit's urine sample will show the betamethasone, which has a recommended 14 day withdrawal time, was applied via a topical skin ointment and not by injection, as is its usual application.

The defense has suggested Kentucky's betamethasone rule applies specifically to injections and not to such a case as treating a skin rash. It has contended that specific ingredients found in the follow-up testing would prove how the medication was applied. 

Dr. George Maylin, director of the New York Equine Drug Testing and Research Laboratory, told Blood-Horse the follow-up screening will take approximately two weeks.