Baffert duo reported to have failed drug tests

Two horses from the yard of two-time Triple Crownwinningtrainerbobbaffert have tested positive for a banned substance, according to reports.

The New York Times and Louisville Courier-journal reported that the positive tests occurred during the recent meet at Oaklawn Park in Arkansas and cited unidentified sources.

One of the horses reportes to have tested positive was Charlatan, an undefeated colt considered to be a top contender for the Belmont Stakes on 20 June. That race will open this year’s Triple Crown series, which has been rescheduled because of the coronavirus pandemic. Charlatan won a split-division of the Arkansas Derby on 2 May.

The other horse to fail a test positive is said to be Gamine, a three-year-old filly, who won at Oaklawn on the day.

The reports state that both horses tested positive for lidocaine, a regulated anesthetic widely used in equine medicine.

Lidocaine is considered a Class 2 drug by the Association of Racing Commissioners International, and use of it carries a penalty of a 15-60-day suspension and a fine of £400 to £800 for a first offense. Without mitigating circumstances, a horse would be disqualified and forfeit its purse. Charlatan earned £245,000 for first place in the Arkansas Derby.

“The rules of the Arkansas Racing Commission mandate confidentiality concerning any investigation into an alleged rule violation until there is a written decision of the Stewards,” Baffert said in a written statement. “I am extremely disappointed that, in this instance, the Commission has not followed its own rules on confidentiality.

“I am hoping for an expedited investigation and look forward to being able to speak soon about any written decision of the Stewards, if and when it becomes necessary and I’m allowed to under the Commission’s confidentiality rules,” he said.

Baffert has requested a second round of testing on his horses’ samples.