What Medina Spirit’s Failed Drug Test Means For The Derby Winner At The 2021 Preakness Stakes

Medina Spirit’s chances of becoming the next Triple Crown winner have taken a significant hit since the horse finished in first place at this year’s Kentucky Derby.

The victory at Churchill Downs could be erased because of a failed drug test, and it’s unknown if the Derby winner will even be allowed to compete in Saturday's 146th running of the Preakness Stakes.

The official winner of the Kentucky Derby will be determined by the results of Medina Spirit’s second drug test, which could also affect the horse’s eligibility for the second jewel of the Triple Crown.

The Maryland Jockey Club has said it will review the facts and information related to Medina Spirit’s positive test for the steroid betamethasone and the retest before making the appropriate call.

“We are consulting with the Maryland Racing Commission and any decision regarding the entry of Medina Spirit in the 146th Preakness Stakes will be made after review of the facts,” the Maryland Jockey Club said in a statement.

The post position draw for Saturday’s Preakness Stakes has been moved from Monday to Tuesday at 4 p.m. EDT. There is no guarantee, however, that the second test results will be in early this week.

Medina Spirit is scheduled to compete at the Preakness Stakes if the first sample isn't confirmed this week. Trainer Bob Baffert has denied giving Media Spirit betamethasone and plans to run the horse Saturday.

“I intend to thoroughly and transparently investigate the matter to determine how this could have happened,” Baffert said in the statement. “We will have the split sample analyzed and DNA testing performed. That will be the first step in the process.”

If the second test confirms the postrace test results, Derby runner-up Mandaloun will be declared the winner. However, the ruling would not overturn pari-mutuel betting on the race as the payouts are considered final.

Medina Spirit pulled off an upset at the Kentucky Derby, entering the race with longer odds than several of the top horses. The favorite, previously undefeated Essential Quality, finished in fourth place.