By Katelyn Burns, MSNBC Opinion Columnist for MSNBC writes:
Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit failed a drug test over the weekend and his Hall of Fame trainer, Bob Baffert, is denying any wrongdoing — and blaming cancel culture.
Baffert went on Fox News Monday morning to talk about the test, which could threaten his horse’s Derby win and his own historic racing legacy.
“We live in a different world now,” he told Fox News. “This America is different, and it was like a cancel culture kind of a thing.”
The trainer referenced what he called a “harsh” statement from Churchill Downs, the site of the annual high-stakes race. But the statement is pretty anodyne, indicating merely that Baffert was indefinitely suspended from Churchill Downs races pending his appeal. Medina Spirit’s Derby win may also be erased if Baffert’s appeal is unsuccessful. (Baffert is now claiming the failed test may have something to do with dermatitis ointment.)
“Failure to comply with the rules and medication protocols threatens the safety of the horses and jockeys, the integrity of the sport and the reputation of the Kentucky Derby and all who participate,” the statement said. “Churchill Downs will not tolerate it.”
Such a statement isn’t surprising. Doping is a serious issue in any sport, including horse racing, and competitive bans and the erasure of records are common punishments for athletes caught cheating. Baffert has the right to appeal, but his claims of “cancellation” are gibberish. (Medina Spirit will be allowed to compete in the 146th Preakness Stakes on Saturday, with “rigorous” testing conditions.)
The good news for you, and us, is that we will not be reporting on anything Baffert until the second split sample result is in. We are fatigued by the whole farce. We bet you are too. In the meantime, why is it taking so damn long? This whole episode reeks, as all these Baffert episodes do.
Updated 12:40 pm EST
Featured image: Bob Baffert (Photo: WKYT)
Tuesday's Horse 
Extremely interesting to see that Baffert appears to be co-opting for very own self Fox News, a news outlet staffed with those of a notably immoral frame of reference. That pretty much says it all about Baffert’s politics which, as applied to horses, are best defined as “the end justifies the means and profit above ethics.” Too bad for Baffert that “the former guy” who also similarly co-opted the entire FauxNews franchise is no longer in office and therefore unable to issue a presidential pardon to Baffert. Too bad, soooooo sad [sarcasm].
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When did the results of a blood test and having to face the repercussions, like anyone else would have to, become “cancel culture”? The guy has been cheating and getting away with it for years and now he’s claiming he’s a victim. Oh boohoo. The only thing that should be cancelled is Baffert.
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There’s an article on the Paulick Report titled “Medina Spirit Draws Post Three…”
The photo shows this horse looking miserable, the eyes say it all. The cruel tongue tie is causing Medina pain and the mouth says it all. This poor horse.
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..my thoughts re: this “guy” would not be allowed on a *family* board..
☻☻
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Agree. We must show restraint. It’s damn hard though. When trying to explain this guy’s behaviour to people who know little to nothing about horse racing they look back like it is all being grossly exaggerated. Maddening!
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